A remarkable achievement in serving female pilgrims to the Sacred House of God
In a move reflecting the significant development in the services provided at the Two Holy Mosques, the Women's Affairs Agency at the Grand Mosque announced that nearly half a million female visitors benefited from its comprehensive religious and guidance services during the month of January. The exact number of beneficiaries reached 469,750 women, a figure that highlights the scale of the efforts made to enable women to perform their religious duties with ease and tranquility, and to enrich their spiritual experience in the holiest places on earth.
Historical background and development of women's services
Historically, women have always played an integral role in the Grand Mosque, as they have always been a part of the fabric of worshippers, pilgrims, and visitors. However, recent years have witnessed a qualitative shift in the structure of services directed towards women, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims. The establishment of a specialized agency for women's affairs represents an institutional development that ensures the provision of well-planned and carefully considered programs that meet the religious, educational, and social needs of female visitors from around the world, while respecting their privacy and providing a safe and stimulating environment.
An integrated service system to enrich the religious experience
The services provided were not limited to one aspect but encompassed a comprehensive system of specialized programs covering various spiritual and intellectual dimensions. These services included religious guidance and counseling programs, Quranic study circles for teaching and correcting recitation, and specialized lessons explaining the Islamic rulings related to Hajj and Umrah rituals and daily worship. The agency also provided platforms for women to receive answers to their questions from qualified female guides, ensuring they received accurate religious information from reliable sources. Furthermore, volunteer initiatives were launched, giving women the opportunity to contribute to serving the pilgrims, thus fostering a sense of belonging and giving back.
Local and international importance and impact
The significance of this achievement lies in its multifaceted dimensions. Locally, it reflects the wise leadership's commitment to empowering Saudi women and harnessing their potential in serving the Two Holy Mosques, where these services are overseen by qualified female staff. Regionally and internationally, these efforts send a clear message to the Islamic world about the Kingdom's exceptional care for all pilgrims without discrimination, showcasing the civilized image of Islam, which honors women and facilitates their access to worship and knowledge. These services also contribute to promoting moderate Islamic understanding and combating extremist ideologies by providing sound religious content under the supervision of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, with the direct support of its President, His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, who consistently emphasizes the need to develop services for women to achieve the highest standards of quality and excellence.
