In a qualitative step aimed at enriching the religious experience of millions of Muslims from all over the world, the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque intensified its technical and awareness efforts during the holy month of Ramadan, through the launch of an integrated system that includes more than 40 smart interactive screens, broadcasting reliable Sharia content in more than 50 international languages.
This initiative, overseen by the Agency for Intellectual and Awareness Affairs, comes in response to the millions of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, especially during this holy month, and aims to enable visitors and pilgrims to have quick and easy access to religious rulings and guidance in their native languages, thus contributing to performing their religious duties with insight and peace of mind.
Historical background and development of services
Throughout history, the Two Holy Mosques have served as beacons of knowledge and guidance, with scholarly circles and lessons delivered by eminent scholars being the primary means of disseminating religious knowledge. As the number of pilgrims from around the world increased, along with the diversity of their cultures and languages, the need arose to develop new methods of guidance and instruction. These interactive screens represent a modern extension of that historical legacy, harnessing the latest technologies to serve the universal message of the Two Holy Mosques and moving from traditional guidance to direct digital interaction that transcends language and geographical barriers.
The importance of the initiative within the framework of Vision 2030
This step aligns directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on enhancing the experience of pilgrims and facilitating their spiritual journey. Investing in technology to disseminate moderate Islamic knowledge reflects the Kingdom's commitment to providing the highest quality services to visitors of the Two Holy Mosques and reinforces its position as the heart of the Islamic world. Internationally, this initiative contributes to presenting a civilized image of Islam, based on moderation and tolerance, and provides a reliable source of knowledge for Muslims worldwide, thus curbing the spread of misconceptions and extremist ideologies.
Details of the digital system and its distribution
The Deputy Head of the Agency for Intellectual and Awareness Affairs, Sheikh Ali bin Hamed Al-Nafi’i, explained that these screens represent one of the modern technological approaches the Presidency has implemented to serve pilgrims. He noted that the content presented respects the cultural diversity of visitors and promotes the values of moderation and tolerance. The screens are strategically located within the Grand Mosque to ensure they reach the largest possible number of worshippers, including in the Mataf expansion, the Saudi arcade, the King Fahd expansion, and the Third Saudi expansion – all areas experiencing high traffic volumes of worshippers and pilgrims.
Direct impact on visitor experience
This integrated digital system, launched under the directives of the Head of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, aims to enhance awareness services. Initial statistics have shown remarkable success for the initiative, with the number of beneficiaries of the interactive screens exceeding 50,000 since the beginning of Muharram, averaging approximately 250 people daily. This reflects the initiative's significant effectiveness and its broad educational and awareness-raising impact within the Two Holy Mosques, contributing to a more accessible and reassuring worship environment for all visitors.
