Enhancing the spiritual experience of the pilgrims
As part of its ongoing efforts to serve pilgrims, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has intensified its religious outreach and guidance programs for Umrah pilgrims in Makkah. This initiative, implemented by the General Secretariat for Islamic Awareness in Hajj, Umrah and Visitation, is part of the second phase of its plans for the current Umrah season (1445 AH), aiming to enrich the spiritual experience of pilgrims and equip them with the necessary religious knowledge to perform their rituals in the best possible way.
Historical context and ongoing efforts
These initiatives are based on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s historical and pioneering role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and caring for pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors. Since its founding, the Kingdom has prioritized providing every comfort and tranquility to the guests of God, not only through developing infrastructure and facilities but also by offering reliable religious guidance. These efforts align with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places serving Umrah performers and Hajj pilgrims at the heart of its priorities and seeks to comprehensively enhance their religious and cultural experience.
Diverse programs and rich content in international languages
The outreach programs take various forms to meet the diverse needs of pilgrims, and are held in mosques surrounding the Grand Mosque. They are delivered by a select group of officially accredited preachers, supported by a team of specialized translators to ensure the message is conveyed in widely spoken international languages. The activities include a series of daily lessons, guidance lectures, and sermons covering essential topics, most notably:
- A detailed explanation of the Umrah rituals step by step according to the Sunnah of the Prophet.
- Establishing the correct concepts of faith and monotheism.
- Promoting the values of moderation and centrism and rejecting extremism and fanaticism.
- A statement of the rules relating to everyday legal transactions.
- Emphasizing the status of Mecca and venerating the holy city.
Importance and expected impact
These programs are of paramount importance on various levels. Locally, they contribute to raising religious awareness among citizens and residents performing Umrah. Internationally, they reflect the true image of Islam as a religion of ease and tolerance, and highlight the Kingdom's efforts in serving Islam and Muslims. These initiatives also serve as a reliable platform for answering pilgrims' legitimate inquiries, thus preventing misinterpretations and misinformation. By promoting intellectual security, the Ministry plays a pivotal role in protecting pilgrims from deviant ideologies, ensuring they can perform their rituals in an atmosphere of tranquility and devotion, and return to their countries with profound spiritual memories and a positive message about their journey.
