Saudi Arabia serves 100,000 mosques and affirms its global Islamic leadership
His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the beating heart of the Islamic world, continues to adhere to its approach based on serving the Islamic religion and caring for the holy sites, stressing that its noble mission is manifested in serving the Two Holy Mosques and taking care of the guests of God, in addition to supervising more than 100,000 mosques and prayer halls throughout the country.
His Excellency made these remarks during his reception at the Ministry's headquarters in Mina of delegations of pilgrims participating in the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation," which included pilgrims from Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Australia. This program is an annual royal initiative reflecting the leadership's commitment to strengthening Islamic brotherhood and fostering communication with Muslims from around the world.
Historical background and pioneering role
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's religious standing rests on a solid historical foundation. Since its founding by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, it has placed serving the Two Holy Mosques at the forefront of its priorities. Successive kings of the Kingdom have borne the title "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques," which is not merely an honorary title, but rather an embodiment of a profound commitment and historical responsibility towards the two holiest sites in Islam. This service includes the massive expansion projects of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, the largest in history, aimed at accommodating the increasing numbers of pilgrims and providing them with the utmost comfort and safety.
The importance of caring for mosques and their impact
Minister Al-Sheikh explained that the care provided to more than 100,000 mosques is not limited to construction, but extends to a comprehensive system of maintenance, furnishings, modern technological equipment, and the appointment of qualified imams, preachers, and muezzins to disseminate the message of moderate Islam. This massive effort reflects the state's commitment to strengthening religious values within the local community and providing a spiritually enriching environment for both citizens and residents. Internationally, the construction and maintenance of mosques and Islamic centers abroad through the Kingdom's various agencies contributes to spreading the true image of Islam and enhancing the Kingdom's standing as a global religious authority.
Developing the Hajj system and serving the guests of God
His Excellency the Minister pointed out that the Hajj system is witnessing continuous development thanks to the unlimited support and direct attention of the wise leadership. The Kingdom has dedicated all its human and technological resources to ensure the success of the Hajj seasons and facilitate the performance of the rituals for the pilgrims. These efforts include developing the infrastructure in the Holy Sites, implementing the latest crowd management technologies, and providing top-tier health, security, and logistical services. These integrated services not only serve the pilgrims but also enhance the Kingdom's humanitarian and civilizational message to the world and affirm its ability to manage the world's largest religious gathering efficiently and effectively.
