Exceptional efforts to serve the pilgrims at Jeddah's entry points
In its ongoing efforts to provide the highest quality services to pilgrims, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by its offices at King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port, continues to implement its comprehensive awareness and guidance programs. These efforts are part of an integrated system aimed at educating pilgrims arriving to perform Hajj in 1447 AH and facilitating their performance of the rituals in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the purified Sunnah of the Prophet.
Historical context: Jeddah, the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques
Historically, Jeddah is known as the main gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and the first stop for pilgrims before heading to Mecca. Since the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz Al Saud (may God have mercy on him), the Saudi leadership has taken upon itself the honor of serving pilgrims and facilitating their spiritual journey. Over the decades, these services have evolved dramatically, moving from traditional guidance methods to adopting the latest digital technologies, in line with the objectives of the 'Guests of God Service Program,' one of the most important programs of Saudi Vision 2030.
Distribution of hundreds of thousands of informational brochures
Field efforts since the arrival of pilgrims for the 1447 AH Hajj season have included the distribution of over 285,000 scholarly and informational publications. These distributions included books and pamphlets on the rulings of Hajj, Umrah, and visiting holy sites, most notably: "The Pavilion on Hajj Practices," "Verification and Clarification," "The Guide for Pilgrims and Umrah Performers," "Fortress of the Muslim," and "A Summary of the Description of Hajj and Umrah." These efforts were not limited to printed materials; they also included distributing informational cards about the Ministry's electronic library and its digital applications, allowing pilgrims to carry a comprehensive Islamic library on their smartphones.
Digital transformation: Visual communication of fatwas
In a move reflecting significant technological advancements, the Ministry has provided video conferencing equipment at pilgrim reception centers. This technology aims to enable pilgrims to ask their religious questions and receive fatwas and guidance around the clock. These inquiries are answered by a select group of qualified preachers and translators, ensuring the dissemination of accurate religious information in an accessible and direct manner, and eliminating unreliable fatwas and erroneous interpretations.
Linguistic diversity reflects the universality of the message
Recognizing the diverse nationalities and cultures of pilgrims, the Ministry ensured the availability of publications and guidance services in multiple international languages. These languages included English, Urdu, Indonesian, Turkish, Bengali, French, Russian, Persian, Hausa, and Malayalam. This linguistic diversity effectively facilitates the delivery of awareness messages to pilgrims in their native tongues, breaking down language barriers and enabling them to accurately understand the details of the rituals.
Importance and expected impact (locally and internationally)
Locally, these intensive awareness programs contribute to organizing the movement of pilgrims and reducing overcrowding caused by a lack of knowledge about the rituals, thus facilitating the work of security and regulatory authorities. Regionally and internationally, this exceptional care enhances the positive image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a leader of the Islamic world and the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The provision of these free and advanced services leaves a profound impact on millions of Muslims returning home, who share their positive experiences, reflecting the Kingdom's soft power and the keenness of its wise leadership—may God support them—to care for the pilgrims from the moment they arrive until their safe and successful departure.
