The first group of guests participating in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visitation, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, completed their return journey yesterday, departing from Makkah to their home countries after performing Umrah rituals and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. The departure, which took place on December 2, 2024, marks the conclusion of a spiritually enriching journey for the participants, who engaged in a variety of religious, cultural, and historical activities during their stay in the holy cities.
Context and Background
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visitation is a longstanding initiative by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance. It invites distinguished Islamic figures, new Muslims, and community leaders from around the world to experience the sacred rites of Umrah and explore Saudi Arabia’s rich Islamic heritage. This program reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering global Islamic solidarity and providing hospitality to Muslims worldwide.
Key Details
During their stay, the guests visited historical sites and exhibitions in both Madinah and Makkah, deepening their understanding of Islamic history and culture. As they departed, the participants expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality provided by the Kingdom. They praised the comprehensive services made available, which allowed them to perform their rituals comfortably and with peace of mind. The guests offered sincere thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, praying to Allah Almighty to reward them for their generosity. They also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance for the outstanding services and welcoming reception throughout their journey.
Implications and Impact
The successful return of the first group underscores Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for Islamic spirituality and cultural exchange. By hosting 250 Umrah performers, including notable Islamic figures and new Muslims from 12 East Asian countries, the program strengthens ties between the Kingdom and Muslim communities internationally. This initiative fosters mutual understanding and highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in serving pilgrims and Umrah performers, enhancing its reputation as a center of Islamic hospitality.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visitation aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes enriching the experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers as part of its goal to host 30 million Umrah visitors annually by 2030. The program not only deepens spiritual connections but also supports the Kingdom’s broader ambitions of cultural openness, religious tolerance, and global engagement. As more groups participate, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its dedication to serving Islam and fostering international goodwill, contributing to a vibrant and interconnected global Muslim community.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visitation?
A1. It is a Saudi initiative organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance that invites distinguished Islamic figures and new Muslims to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Q2. Who organized the program for the first group of guests?
A2. The program was organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, a Saudi government ministry responsible for Islamic affairs and guidance services.
Q3. When did the first group of guests depart from Makkah?
A3. The first group of guests departed from Makkah on December 2, 2024, after completing their Umrah rituals and visiting historical sites.
Q4. What activities did the guests engage in during their stay?
A4. The guests engaged in religious activities, including Umrah rituals, and visited historical sites and exhibitions in Madinah and Makkah, deepening their knowledge of Islamic heritage.
Q5. How many participants were in the first group of the program?
A5. The first group included 250 Umrah performers, consisting of notable Islamic figures and new Muslims from 12 East Asian countries.
Q6. Which countries did the guests come from?
A6. The guests came from 12 East Asian countries, though specific countries were not named in the official statement.
Q7. What did the guests express as they departed Makkah?
A7. The guests expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality and the opportunity to perform Umrah and pray in the Rawdah at the Prophet’s Mosque.
Q8. Which Saudi leaders did the guests thank?
A8. The guests thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Q9. What role did the Ministry of Islamic Affairs play in the program?
A9. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance organized the program, providing services and a warm welcome to facilitate the guests’ rituals in a spiritually uplifting environment.
Q10. What is the purpose of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program?
A10. The program aims to host Islamic figures and new Muslims, promote global Islamic solidarity, and offer a spiritual experience in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Q11. How does the program reflect Saudi Arabia’s values?
A11. The program reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hospitality, serving pilgrims, and supporting Islamic unity, in line with the Kingdom’s role as the custodian of holy sites.
Q12. Did the guests visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah?
A12. Yes, the guests visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and had the opportunity to pray in the Rawdah, a highly revered area within the mosque.
Q13. What is the significance of the Rawdah at the Prophet’s Mosque?
A13. The Rawdah is considered one of the gardens of Paradise in Islamic tradition, and praying there is a spiritually significant experience for Muslims.
Q14. How does this program support Vision 2030?
A14. The program supports Vision 2030’s goal to host 30 million Umrah visitors annually by 2030, enriching their experience and promoting cultural exchange.
Q15. What services did the guests praise?
A15. The guests praised the comprehensive and excellent services provided by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, which made it easy for them to perform their rituals comfortably.
Q16. Were there any notable Islamic figures in the group?
A16. Yes, the group included notable Islamic figures from their respective countries, along with new Muslims from East Asia.
Q17. How did the guests describe their experience?
A17. The guests described their experience as spiritually uplifting and expressed gratitude for the warm reception and peaceful environment for performing rituals.
Q18. Is the program ongoing or a one-time event?
A18. The program is ongoing, with groups of guests participating periodically throughout the year as part of Saudi Arabia’s regular hospitality initiatives.
Q19. What impact does the program have on international ties?
A19. The program strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and Muslim communities worldwide, fostering mutual understanding and showcasing the Kingdom’s leadership in Islamic diplomacy.
Q20. Where can readers find official updates about the program?
A20. Official updates are typically released via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance’s communications channels.
Reader Feedback
We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.
Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.