Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Hosts 2,322 Pilgrims from 88 Countries

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has ordered the hosting of 2,322 pilgrims from over 88 countries for the upcoming Hajj season of 1445 AH (2024). The directive, part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit, includes 1,300 pilgrims from diverse nations, 1,000 from families of martyrs, prisoners, and wounded Palestinians, and 22 from families of conjoined twins who were previously separated in the Kingdom.

Context and Background

This generous initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s enduring commitment to serving Islam and Muslims worldwide. Supervised annually by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the program exemplifies the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering unity and brotherhood among the global Muslim community. The Royal order reflects the leadership’s constant care for Muslims and their efforts to strengthen ties through the sacred pilgrimage.

Key Details

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and General Supervisor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Hajj Guests Program, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for this noble gesture. He noted that since the issuance of the Royal order, the ministry has developed a strategic plan with dedicated committees to ensure pilgrims receive all facilitations from their departure to performing Umrah and Hajj with ease, including a visit to Madinah and prayer at the Prophet’s Mosque. Since its inception 26 years ago, more than 60,000 pilgrims have been hosted under this program.

Implications and Impact

By including families of Palestinian martyrs, prisoners, and the wounded, the program reinforces Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with the Palestinian cause and its humanitarian leadership. Additionally, hosting families of conjoined twins separated in the Kingdom highlights its advanced medical capabilities and compassionate outreach. This initiative also enhances the Kingdom’s global standing as a center for Islamic hospitality and a unifying force in the Muslim world.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This program aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of promoting a vibrant society and global engagement. By facilitating pilgrimage for Muslims worldwide, Saudi Arabia reinforces its role as a leader of the Islamic world and a bridge for cultural and religious understanding. The Kingdom continues to invest in the spiritual well-being of Muslims, contributing to its comprehensive development journey and showcasing the best of Saudi Arabia to the world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program?

A1. It is an annual initiative by the Saudi leadership to host pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah at the expense of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, aimed at fostering unity among Muslims worldwide.

Q2. How many pilgrims will be hosted this year?

A2. This year, a total of 2,322 pilgrims from over 88 countries will be hosted, including 1,300 from various nations, 1,000 from Palestinian families, and 22 from families of conjoined twins.

Q3. Which ministry supervises the program?

A3. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance supervises and implements the program annually, under the guidance of its minister, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, with full dedication.

Q4. Who ordered the hosting of these pilgrims?

A4. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, issued the Royal order to host these pilgrims as part of the program for this holy year.

Q5. What special categories are included in this year’s hosting?

A5. The program includes 1,000 pilgrims from families of martyrs, prisoners, and wounded Palestinians, and also 22 from families of conjoined twins who were separated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Q6. How long has the program been running?

A6. Overall, since its inception, the program has been in operation for 26 years, and during this time, more than 60,000 pilgrims have been hosted successfully from around the world in total.

Q7. What is the purpose of including Palestinian families?

A7. By including Palestinian families, Saudi Arabia clearly demonstrates its deep solidarity with the Palestinian cause and its humanitarian support for those who are affected by ongoing conflict in the region.

Q8. How does the program assist pilgrims?

A8. The program ensures pilgrims receive all facilitations throughout their journey, from departure to performing Hajj and Umrah, including visits to Madinah and prayer at the Prophet’s Mosque with comfort and ease.

Q9. What did Minister Al Al-Sheikh say about the Royal gesture?

A9. He voiced sincere gratitude and appreciation, stating it reflects the leadership’s constant care for all Muslims worldwide and their sincere efforts to strengthen unity and brotherhood among the Muslim world.

Q10. How are pilgrims selected?

A10. The careful selection is always based on the comprehensive criteria of the program, which includes diversity of countries and special categories as directed by the official Royal order for each year.

Q11. What facilities are provided for the pilgrims?

A11. Pilgrims receive all comprehensive services including transportation, accommodation, and necessary religious guidance and support to perform rituals with ease, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout their stay in the holy cities.

Q12. Is the program only for Hajj?

A12. In addition to Hajj, the program also covers Umrah and visit, allowing pilgrims to visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and perform prayers there for the pilgrimage season each year.

Q13. How does this program benefit the global Muslim community?

A13. It fosters unity, brotherhood, and cultural exchange and understanding among global Muslims from diverse backgrounds across nations and regions, strengthening the deep and stronger bonds of faith throughout the world.

Q14. What is the significance of hosting families of conjoined twins?

A14. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s world-class advanced medical capabilities and its exceptional humanitarian commitment to supporting the families in need, often following successful separation surgeries with care and compassion for these cases.

Q15. How does this initiative align with Vision 2030?

A15. It actively supports Vision 2030’s goal of promoting a vibrant society and global engagement, also showcasing the Kingdom’s significant role as a prominent leader in the Islamic world and beyond.

Q16. How many countries are represented?

A16. This year, pilgrims from over 88 diverse countries are represented, showcasing the program’s truly wide global reach and inclusivity from all corners of the globe in this holy season of Hajj.

Q17. What is the role of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs?

A17. The ministry diligently supervises the program, develops comprehensive strategic detailed plans, and thoroughly ensures the pilgrims receive all necessary facilitations and complete care throughout the journey from start to finish.

Q18. Are there any conditions for pilgrims to participate?

A18. Pilgrims are carefully chosen based on the program’s specific criteria, which also includes certain priority for those who have not performed Hajj before and are from the eligible categories and other factors.

Q19. How does the program reflect Saudi Arabia’s leadership?

A19. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s profound commitment to serving Muslims and its dedicated role as a custodian of holy sites, reinforcing its strong leadership in the global Islamic world and beyond.

Q20. What is the future outlook for this program?

A20. The program is expected to continue expanding steadily, aligning with Vision 2030 to further enhance Saudi Arabia’s global Islamic hospitality and humanitarian outreach for the entire Muslim world and beyond.

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