The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announced that more than two million Umrah pilgrims have benefited from the free "release from ritual consecration" service, available around the clock at the Grand Mosque. This unique initiative is part of the comprehensive services provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to pilgrims during the Umrah season, aiming to facilitate their pilgrimage and provide a safe and comfortable environment for worship.
What is the release from rituals and its importance for the pilgrim?
The completion of the rituals of Umrah is a fundamental pillar, signifying the exit from the state of Ihram, which the pilgrim enters upon intending to perform the rituals. For men, this is achieved by shaving the head completely or trimming a portion of the hair, while for women, it is sufficient to trim a small amount, about the length of a fingertip. This act symbolizes the completion of the ritual and the beginning of a new phase of spiritual purification, after which the pilgrim is permitted to engage in activities that were prohibited during Ihram. Providing this service in an organized and free manner relieves pilgrims of the burden of searching for suitable accommodation and protects them from exploitation, allowing them to complete their rituals with ease and peace of mind.
Strict regulations and global health standards
The authority explained that the service is offered in the eastern courtyard of the Grand Mosque and is available to both men and women in designated areas that ensure privacy. The initiative is implemented according to the highest standards of quality and safety, supervised by qualified and trained staff to guarantee speed and efficient organization. To ensure the health and safety of pilgrims, single-use, fully sterilized shaving tools are used, and strict health procedures are followed to prevent the transmission of any infection—a crucial measure given the massive crowds at the Grand Mosque.
Continuing historical efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques
This service is part of a long history of efforts by the Kingdom to care for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. Since its founding, the Kingdom has placed great importance on developing services for pilgrims and Umrah performers, from the historic expansions of the Two Holy Mosques to employing the latest technologies to ensure their comfort and safety. These free initiatives reflect the Kingdom's commitment to its Islamic and humanitarian mission of serving the guests of God from all corners of the earth.
The positive impact and alignment of the initiative with Vision 2030
This service aligns directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the religious and cultural experience of pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. By improving the quality of services and making them easily accessible and free of charge, the Kingdom contributes to leaving a lasting positive impression on pilgrims, thus reinforcing its position as a leading spiritual destination in the Islamic world. Internationally, these initiatives send a clear message about the Kingdom's commitment to providing the highest levels of care for the guests of God, further enhancing its global reputation as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the organizer of the world's largest religious gatherings.
