Islamic Affairs intensifies awareness campaign for Umrah pilgrims in Mecca for Ramadan
As part of its ongoing efforts to serve pilgrims, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the General Secretariat for Islamic Awareness in Hajj, Umrah and Visitation, has intensified its outreach and awareness activities in Makkah. This initiative involves implementing a wide range of educational programs and lectures in mosques and prayer halls located in the central area surrounding the Grand Mosque, as part of the second phase of the Islamic awareness plan for the Umrah season, coinciding with the influx of large numbers of pilgrims and visitors.
High-quality programs in international languages
The Ministry's operational plan is characterized by its diverse methods and approaches, ensuring that the awareness message reaches the widest possible segment of pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque. These programs include specialized lectures, intensive daily lessons, and sermons delivered after the obligatory prayers. A select group of the Ministry's official preachers, possessing both scholarly expertise and effective communication skills, deliver these programs.
To break down language barriers and enable pilgrims of various nationalities to benefit, a number of qualified translators for several major world languages participate in these programs. This aims to clarify the rituals and answer religious inquiries, thus enabling pilgrims to perform their acts of worship with understanding and in accordance with the Prophet's teachings, avoiding any violations of Islamic law.
In line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in serving the guests of God
These efforts gain added significance when viewed within the broader context of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to host millions of pilgrims annually and facilitate their spiritual journey. Islamic awareness is no less important than logistical and security services; it ensures spiritual tranquility and corrects misconceptions, positively impacting the flow of movement within the Grand Mosque and reducing crowding caused by ignorance of certain rulings.
These programs are a historical extension of the pioneering role that the Kingdom has played since its founding in caring for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, as the state harnesses all its human and material capabilities to ensure the safety, security and comfort of pilgrims.
Comprehensive legal principles and the virtues of fasting
The outreach programs offered focus on a range of religious and faith-based topics that directly address the needs of pilgrims, most notably:
- The rules and virtues of fasting: an explanation of what makes fasting valid and what invalidates it, and the virtue of the blessed month of Ramadan and how to take advantage of it in acts of obedience.
- Explanation of the Umrah rituals: Clarifying the manner of performing Umrah step by step, starting from Ihram until exiting Ihram, while pointing out common mistakes.
- Doctrine and monotheism: Establishing correct doctrinal concepts and dedicating work to God Almighty.
- Moderation and centrism: Promoting the values of tolerance and rejecting extremism and fanaticism, and demonstrating the tolerance of the Islamic religion.
The lessons also address the importance of the sanctity and status of Mecca, the importance of adhering to Islamic ethics in dealing with others, and the promotion of intellectual security among visitors.
Expected impact locally and regionally
These intensive efforts are expected to raise religious awareness among pilgrims, reducing misconduct and indirectly contributing to crowd management. Furthermore, equipping pilgrims with sound Islamic knowledge will empower them to become ambassadors, conveying a positive image of Islam and the Kingdom's efforts to their home countries, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a bastion of Islam and peace in the world.
