Launch of the operational plan for the Hajj season
As part of the extensive preparations for the 1445 AH Hajj season, His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, launched the operational plan of the General Secretariat for Islamic Awareness in Hajj, Umrah and Visitation. This launch, which took place at the Ministry headquarters in the presence of a number of officials, is a key step within the integrated system of services provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the pilgrims, with the aim of facilitating their performance of the rituals and ensuring a complete spiritual and religious environment.
Historical background and importance of guiding pilgrims
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, places paramount importance on serving the pilgrims of the Sacred House of God. Religious awareness and guidance programs have been an integral part of this service for decades. Historically, awareness efforts relied on direct lessons and study circles in the Grand Mosque and the Holy Sites. With technological advancements and the increasing number of pilgrims from around the world, these efforts have evolved to include the use of the latest technologies to ensure that the guidance message reaches every pilgrim in their own language. This reflects the wise leadership's commitment to enabling pilgrims to perform their religious duty with understanding and in accordance with the correct Islamic principles.
Plan details: Integration between human resources and technology
The plan includes a comprehensive package of programs and services aimed at educating pilgrims about their religion and rituals. A large team of qualified personnel, comprising 1,822 preachers and 120 translators, is involved in implementing these programs. They are strategically located in mosques within the Haram boundary, in cabins at Arafat and Thawr, and in prayer rooms at hotels surrounding the Grand Mosque. Their duties include delivering lessons and sermons, and directly answering pilgrims' questions.
To keep pace with the digital age, the plan activates advanced technological aspects to serve pilgrims, most notably:
- The free telephone (8002451000): operates around the clock to receive and answer pilgrims' legitimate inquiries in several international languages.
- Visual communication: Through iPads, this service allows pilgrims to communicate directly with preachers and translators via audio and video, ensuring a deeper and clearer understanding of legal issues.
- Electronic screens: Broadcasting short, translated awareness and guidance messages on screens spread throughout the areas where pilgrims are present.
- Printed materials: Distribution of more than 300,000 informational brochures in multiple languages.
Expected impact at the local and international levels
Domestically, these efforts enhance the Kingdom's positive image in serving Islam and Muslims, and underscore its leading role in organizing and managing the world's largest religious gathering. Internationally, these comprehensive services leave a profound and positive impact on millions of pilgrims from around the globe. Providing reliable religious guidance in their native languages dispels any confusion or misinformation, and contributes to unifying Muslims in performing the rituals correctly, thus enriching their spiritual experience and making the Hajj pilgrimage an unforgettable spiritual memory.
