Hajj Pilgrimage Becomes More Inclusive With Braille Quran For Visually Impaired

In a significant move to ensure that all pilgrims can perform religious rituals during Hajj season 1445 AH, the Presidency for Religious Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has made it easier for visually impaired pilgrims to read the Holy Quran. Copies of the Holy Quran in Braille have been strategically placed throughout the corridors and other areas of the two holy mosques.

This initiative enables these pilgrims to access and read Quranic verses with ease. Recognizing the potential challenges associated with reading traditional Braille copies, which often consist of multiple volumes, the presidency has also introduced electronic copies of the Quran in Braille. This advanced technology utilizes a dynamic display, converting fixed Braille characters into electronically formed moving letters corresponding to the Quranic verses.

This design facilitates navigation, allowing blind pilgrims to effortlessly access specific pages, surahs, and sections of the Quran. Beyond Braille and the electronic Quran, the presidency has established dedicated prayer halls within the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque for elderly individuals and people with disabilities.

These prayer halls are equipped with designated spaces and cabinets containing additional religious resources. These include translations of the meanings of the Quran in various languages, with those in English, Urdu, and Indonesian featuring most prominently. This commitment to creating an inclusive environment reflects the presidency's dedication to disseminating the Holy Quran among all pilgrims, including those with disabilities.

The initiative aligns with the aspirations of the Saudi leadership to preserve and disseminate the Quran, serve the two holy mosques and the pilgrims, and offer a more humane and enriching religious experience to all. This ultimately contributes to a fulfilling Hajj journey.

With inputs from SPA