Malaysian couple: Hajj as guests of the King is a unique spiritual experience
In a unique spiritual experience, Malaysian couple Abdul Jalil Ghazali and his wife Siti Khalida binti Muhammad Yusuf expressed their overwhelming joy at performing Hajj this year as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. They affirmed that this spiritual journey, which they had dreamed of for many years, exceeded all their expectations and will remain an indelible memory in their hearts.
After completing their Hajj rituals and departing Mecca, the couple described their experience as exceptional from the moment they arrived in the Kingdom. They praised the comprehensive care and meticulous organization they experienced at every stage of their pilgrimage, from the warm welcome and hospitality to the seamless transportation between the holy sites, culminating in the comprehensive services that allowed them to fully dedicate themselves to worship and perform the rituals with ease and peace of mind. They explained that standing on the plains of Arafat and circumambulating the Kaaba for the first time were among the most impactful and profound moments of their journey, affirming that these intense feelings of faith will remain etched in their memories for a lifetime.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program: A window into the Kingdom's efforts
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program is an annual royal initiative that embodies the Saudi leadership’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims worldwide. Established to host thousands of pilgrims from various nationalities, particularly prominent Islamic figures and families of martyrs and those injured in service from several countries, the program aims to enable them to perform the fifth pillar of Islam. The program reflects the Kingdom’s leading role in the care of the Two Holy Mosques and the service of their visitors, and strengthens the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and unity among the peoples of the Muslim world.
Diplomatic and cultural importance
The importance of this program extends beyond the religious sphere to encompass significant diplomatic and cultural dimensions. Internationally, the program contributes to enhancing the Kingdom's image as the heart of the Islamic world and a champion of its causes. It also strengthens bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the countries from which the guests come, such as Malaysia, with which the Kingdom shares deep historical ties. The positive experiences of these guests become living testimonies that reflect the Kingdom's outstanding efforts in managing and organizing the world's largest religious gathering, thus refuting any attempts to question its ability to manage this momentous event.
In closing, the couple expressed their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for their exceptional care and attention to the pilgrims. They also commended the efforts of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and those responsible for the program, emphasizing that the success and excellence of this Hajj season reflects the dedication and tireless work of all sectors of the Kingdom to ensure the comfort and safety of the pilgrims.
