As part of the intensive preparations for the Hajj season, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the completion of the preparation and equipping of more than 20,000 mosques and prayer halls in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites, in addition to the designated times and routes taken by the pilgrims, with the aim of providing the highest quality services to the guests of God and enabling them to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.
This announcement followed a field inspection tour conducted by His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and General Supervisor of the Ministry's Hajj, Umrah and Visitation Affairs, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh. The tour included assessing the readiness of key mosques in the holy sites, such as Namira Mosque in Arafat, Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram Mosque in Muzdalifah, and Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina, which experience high pilgrims during the Hajj rituals.
Historical background and importance of serving pilgrims
Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed paramount importance on serving the Two Holy Mosques and caring for their visitors, including pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. This service is considered both an honor and a historical responsibility, with services continuously improving year after year to keep pace with the ever-increasing number of pilgrims and meet their evolving needs. These annual efforts are part of a comprehensive system involving all sectors of the government to ensure the success of the Hajj season, the world's largest annual Islamic gathering, which holds profound religious significance for more than two billion Muslims worldwide.
Complete facilities and quality services
Minister Al-Sheikh explained that the preparations were not limited to cleaning and routine maintenance, but also included upgrading and developing all facilities to ensure the comfort of pilgrims. Air conditioning, sound, and lighting systems were inspected and maintained, water services were provided, and the highest public safety standards were implemented. Emphasis was also placed on high-quality projects aimed at improving the pilgrim experience, most notably projects to reduce heat load and cool the air in the courtyards of mosques in the holy sites, which significantly contribute to alleviating the effects of the heat on the pilgrims.
The local and international impact of a successful Hajj season
The successful management and organization of the Hajj season has implications that extend far beyond local borders. It reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader of the Islamic world and underscores its exceptional organizational and logistical capabilities in managing millions of pilgrims. Internationally, the season's success reflects the Kingdom's civilized image and its commitment to serving Islam and Muslims. This event also presents an opportunity to strengthen human and cultural ties among Muslim peoples, as Muslims of diverse nationalities and cultures gather in one place to perform this great religious duty.
Advocacy and technical efforts to support pilgrims
In addition to providing physical infrastructure, the Ministry dedicated its human and technological resources to serving the pilgrims. More than 160,000 outreach activities were implemented by 1,822 preachers and 220 translators, and over 1.4 million educational materials were distributed in 27 languages. Nearly two million copies of the Holy Quran and translations of its meanings in more than 80 languages were also made available. On the technological front, Wi-Fi was provided, and interactive screens, an electronic library, and the “Rushd” application were activated to offer comprehensive guidance to pilgrims in multiple languages, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to utilizing modern technologies to serve the guests of God.
In closing, His Excellency the Minister expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their continuous support and care for everything that serves Islam and Muslims and provides the utmost comfort for the pilgrims of the Sacred House of God.
