With the Hajj pilgrimage just days away, a large number of pilgrims from around the world have arrived in Saudi Arabia. Approximately 1 million Muslims have gathered in Makkah to take part in the Hajj as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Hajj Guests Programme, which is overseen by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance.
After the Covid-19 outbreak led to a significant decrease in the number of pilgrims in 2020 and 2021, this year’s pilgrimage marks the largest gathering in three years. The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for their generosity and dedication in facilitating the performance of Islamic rituals and assisting those who wish to undertake Hajj.
The minister highlighted that the Saudi leadership’s initiative to enable thousands of Muslims from different continents to perform Hajj with exceptional services demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims. The Ministry, in coordination with Saudi embassies and religious attachés abroad, has taken all necessary measures to implement the royal order, including selecting the pilgrims, facilitating visa issuance, and providing comprehensive assistance from departure to their stay in the Kingdom.
The programme aims to fulfill the dreams of many Muslims from countries that were previously not included, allowing them to participate in Hajj. The ministry has an annual plan to select individuals of various nationalities who have not yet performed Hajj and support them in fulfilling this important religious obligation.
