The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Da`wah and Guidance, and the General Supervisor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Hajj Guests Program, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, has emphasized that the ministry's work is carried out through three main tracks. The first track involves preparing and equipping over 1,000 mosques, including the Miqats and the areas surrounding the holy sites. The second track focuses on the activities of the General Secretariat for Islamic Awareness in Hajj, which aims to provide 32 million educational services in more than 40 international languages.
During a press conference held in Makkah, Sheikh Al Al-Sheikh announced the third track, which pertains to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit. This year, the program will host 1,300 pilgrims from more than 90 countries worldwide, in addition to 1,000 pilgrims from the families of martyrs and the wounded from the State of Palestine.
Sheikh Al Al-Sheikh highlighted that over 7,200 Saudi personnel have been assigned to serve the pilgrims. The ministry, in collaboration with the royal commission for Makkah city and holy sites, has completed the development, maintenance, and cleaning of all mosques in the holy sites. Notably, 75 new mosques were constructed in Makkah at a cost of SR 250 million, and all mosques in Makkah received full maintenance and operation, amounting to over SR 300 million. Additionally, half a million square meters of luxurious carpets were furnished in all mosques in the holy sites and Miqats.
For the Hajj season, 1,300 preachers have been assigned to work round the clock, implementing more than 200,000 advocacy activities. A video calling service has been launched via iPads in the holy sites, and a free phone service (8002451000) has been established to receive pilgrims' calls through 200 lines.
Sheikh Al Al-Sheikh mentioned that the ministry distributes millions of copies of the Quran as a gift from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to each pilgrim. Furthermore, the ministry translates Quranic verses into more than 76 international languages. An electronic library service has been introduced, providing over 1,000 scientific and guidance materials in more than 40 international languages.
Regarding the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' program for Hajj and Umrah, Minister Al Al-Sheikh explained that this year's royal approval includes hosting 1,300 pilgrims from over 90 countries worldwide, as well as 1,000 male and female pilgrims from the families of martyrs and the wounded from the State of Palestine. The program also welcomes a thousand pilgrims from the families of Saudi martyrs and injured individuals who participated in the Decisive Storm, along with a thousand pilgrims from the families of Yemeni martyrs and injured individuals who also participated in the Decisive Storm. Additionally, orders were issued to host 280 pilgrims from Syria, 130 from the Arab Organization ALESCO, and 150 scholars from Yemen, bringing the total number of guests this year to 4,951 male and female pilgrims.
The minister explained that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Hajj Guests Program hosted more than 62,000 pilgrims from 140 countries from around the world since it was launched in 1417 AH, adding that the program this year distributed its tasks to 18 committees working around the clock to achieve the goals of the program and provide five-star services for all the invitees from the moment of their arrival until their departure back to their countries, in line with the importance of the program and the support it receives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the follow-up of HRH the Crown Prince.
In conclusion, Minister Al Al-Sheikh affirmed that all the efforts and achievements of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Da`wah, and Guidance are made possible by the grace of God Almighty and the unwavering support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, as well as the diligent follow-up of HRH the Crown Prince, who tirelessly works towards the service of Islam and Muslims worldwide. He further highlighted the ministry's commitment to fulfilling the Kingdom's message and its pursuit of global leadership.
Source: Saudi Press Agency