A Saudi scout leader writes a humanitarian epic in the Grand Mosque of Mecca
In a scene embodying the highest ideals of humanity and solidarity, a Saudi scout leader, Dr. Ismail Watra, wrote a remarkable chapter of compassion within the precincts of the Holy Mosque in Mecca during the blessed month of Ramadan. He took the initiative to rescue a lost elderly pilgrim, and not only provided him with immediate assistance, but also sheltered him in his own home until he was reunited with his family, thus setting a shining example of service to the guests of God.
Details of the incident: From confusion in the crowd to comprehensive care
The details of this touching story began when the scout leader noticed signs of confusion and bewilderment on the face of the elderly pilgrim amidst the crowds of those heading to the Grand Mosque. Dr. Watra had just finished his official shift at the Ramadan service center and was preparing to leave, but his sense of humanity and the responsibility he carries as a Saudi scout leader prompted him to offer assistance immediately, bypassing all the usual professional protocols.
The exhausted pilgrim revealed that he had lost contact with his family hours earlier and had firmly believed they were staying in the Al-Khalidiyah neighborhood of Mecca. Based on this, Dr. Watra took him in his own car on a grueling search that lasted until 3:00 AM. In a surprising turn of events, the pilgrim remembered that his actual residence was in the Al-Khalidiyah neighborhood of Medina, not in the holy city.
A genuine humanitarian gesture and a family reunion
Faced with this situation, and in a gesture reflecting genuine Saudi chivalry, Dr. Watra refused to leave the pilgrim alone in the street. Instead, he decided to host him in his own home, providing him with complete care, peace, and comfort after hours of fear and confusion. The following morning, the diligent coordination efforts with the Lost and Found Center at the Grand Mosque resulted in the discovery of the missing person report. The elderly pilgrim was reunited with his two daughters (a doctor and an engineer) in a moving scene where tears of joy turned to heartfelt prayers for the Kingdom and its people. The scouts' efforts didn't end there; one of them was assigned to accompany the pilgrim through the Tawaf and Sa'i rituals with complete peace of mind.
A glorious history of scouting in caring for pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques
What this hero did was not a spur-of-the-moment act, but rather an extension of a long and honorable history of service provided by the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association. For decades, the Scouts have collaborated with various government agencies to offer support and assistance during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. These efforts range from guiding lost pilgrims and providing first aid to contributing to crowd management, making the Scouts a fundamental pillar in the system of services provided to the pilgrims and reflecting the deeply rooted culture of giving within Saudi society.
The profound impact of volunteer work locally and internationally
Such individual and institutional initiatives are of paramount importance and have a far-reaching impact. Locally, these acts reinforce the values of social cohesion and encourage younger generations to engage in volunteer work, perfectly aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to reach one million volunteers. Regionally and internationally, these humanitarian stories highlight the bright side of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of every Muslim who sets foot on its soil, leaving a positive and widespread impression throughout the Islamic world.
