The successful departure of the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' program to Muzdalifah
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced the resounding success of the smooth and organized movement of pilgrims participating in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj, Umrah and Visit Program, representing 104 countries from around the world, from the sacred plains of Arafat to Muzdalifah. This achievement reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to providing the highest levels of service and care to the pilgrims, in accordance with the directives of its wise leadership.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation is a generous royal initiative aimed at hosting thousands of Muslims of various nationalities annually to perform Hajj or Umrah. This initiative began during the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him – and continued and developed under subsequent kings, culminating in the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect them both. The program embodies the highest ideals of Islamic solidarity and reinforces the Kingdom's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims worldwide by hosting prominent Islamic figures, scholars, preachers, and Muslims with special needs or from affected areas.
The Hajj pilgrimage is a profound spiritual journey, beginning with standing on the plains of Arafat, the most important pillar of Hajj, where pilgrims supplicate to God in prayer and repentance. As the sun sets on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims begin their journey to Muzdalifah, where they spend the night and collect pebbles in preparation for the stoning of the Jamarat in Mina. These stages require immense logistical coordination to ensure the safety and comfort of millions of pilgrims.
In this context, the program's guests departed Arafat at sunset on the Day of Arafah, following a meticulously planned and organized operation. This plan relied on a fleet of modern buses equipped with the latest technology, as well as advanced crowd management and guidance systems. This ensured a smooth flow of movement and facilitated their easy and safe transfer between the holy sites, free from any congestion or difficulties.
Upon their arrival at Muzdalifah, the pilgrims performed the Maghrib and Isha prayers combined and shortened, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Afterward, they began collecting pebbles for the stoning of Jamarat al-Aqaba (the largest of the three pillars) on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, and then for the stoning of the Jamarat on subsequent days in Mina. All necessary services were provided to them at their accommodations in Muzdalifah, including comprehensive healthcare, continuous religious guidance, and catering services that included meals and water, to ensure their comfort and readiness for the next stage of the Hajj rituals.
Many guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' program expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – for this exceptional care and outstanding service. They affirmed that these tremendous efforts directly contributed to enabling them to perform the Hajj rituals with complete comfort, tranquility, and devotion, leaving an unforgettable impression and a unique spiritual experience.
The success of this pilgrimage highlights the high efficiency of Saudi institutions responsible for managing the Hajj and reinforces the Kingdom's position as the heart of the Islamic world and custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. It also underscores its ongoing commitment to developing services and infrastructure to ensure a safe and accessible Hajj experience for millions of Muslims from around the globe, reflecting the positive impact of these efforts both locally and internationally, and strengthening unity and brotherhood among Muslims.
