Islamic Affairs Ministry Enhances Hajj With 1.4 Million Religious Services

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, through the Secretary-General for Islamic Awareness in Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, provided 1,485,000 religious services during this year's Hajj season. Over 2,000,000 pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors benefited from these services from the beginning of Dhu al-Qi'dah in 1445 AH until the end of the current Hajj season.

The General Secretariat reported that around 632 preachers and translators participated in educating the pilgrims. They responded to questions through Islamic awareness booths at Taneem Mosque, Juranah Mosque, and prayer areas in the central area, as well as in the camps of internal pilgrims in Mina. The number of provided religious activities amounted to 160,000.

The General Secretariat sent more than 80,000,000 educational and guidance text messages (SMS) through all telecommunications providers in the Kingdom to the mobile phones of pilgrims and service providers in various international languages. These messages included a step-by-step explanation of the Hajj rituals, adherence to regulations and laws set by the Kingdom for security and safety, and an outline of the stages of Hajj.

To leverage modern technology in educating pilgrims, the secretariat activated interactive screens for the electronic library in central area prayer zones and mosques. These screens contained thousands of religious books. Additionally, it broadcast 15,000,000 educational messages through electronic screens in various international languages.

The toll-free automated and respondent hotline (800-245-1000) benefited 1,325,000 recipients by the end of this year's Hajj season. A select group of ministry preachers participated in answering callers' questions. These preachers were chosen meticulously for their thorough understanding of Hajj and Umrah rituals according to the Quran and Sunnah, with translators available in various international languages.

With inputs from SPA