Saudi Presidency Uses Translation to Spread Islam’s Message Globally

The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has intensified its efforts to share the message of the Two Holy Mosques with the world, leveraging language translation services, digital platforms, and modern technology to disseminate the sermons and lessons of the Two Holy Mosques in multiple languages. This initiative, highlighted during the 2024 Hajj season, underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to making the spiritual experience of the Two Holy Mosques accessible to a global audience.

Context and Background

The Presidency of Religious Affairs, a key Saudi institution responsible for overseeing religious activities at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, has long recognized the importance of reaching non-Arabic-speaking Muslims worldwide. Through its Department of Languages and Translation, the Presidency has activated comprehensive translation services for Friday sermons, religious lessons, and various events. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Translation Project stands as a testament to this commitment, utilizing advanced technical means to broadcast translated content efficiently. This effort aligns with the Kingdom’s broader mission to serve Islam and Muslims, ensuring that the message of the Two Holy Mosques transcends linguistic barriers.

Key Details

During the 2024 Hajj season, the Presidency achieved remarkable milestones. Approximately 621 million people worldwide listened to the translation of the Arafat sermon, which was broadcast in 20 languages through the Manarat Al-Haramain digital platform. Additionally, the simultaneous translation of the Eid al-Adha sermon into 20 international languages reached about 20 million people, including 6 million live listeners — the highest number ever recorded by the Presidency. These figures reflect the growing global reach of the Two Holy Mosques’ religious content and the effectiveness of the translation and broadcasting infrastructure.

Implications and Impact

The expanded translation and broadcast efforts have significant implications for international Muslim communities. By providing real-time translations of key sermons, the Presidency enables millions of non-Arabic speakers to engage with the spiritual and educational content of the Two Holy Mosques. This fosters a deeper understanding of Islam and strengthens the connection between Muslims worldwide and the holy sites. The use of the Manarat Al-Haramain platform demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s leadership in utilizing digital technology for religious outreach, setting a benchmark for other religious institutions. Furthermore, the record-breaking viewership during Hajj 2024 highlights the global demand for accessible Islamic content and the Kingdom’s capacity to meet it.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the Kingdom’s role as a global leader in serving Islam and Muslims. By harnessing technology and translation to spread the message of the Two Holy Mosques, the Presidency contributes to the Vision’s goals of enhancing the pilgrimage experience, promoting cultural exchange, and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to moderation and tolerance. As the Kingdom continues to invest in digital infrastructure and language services, it reinforces its position as a beacon of Islamic knowledge and a bridge between cultures, furthering the objectives of Vision 2030 to create a vibrant society and a prosperous economy.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Presidency of Religious Affairs?

A1. The Presidency of Religious Affairs is a Saudi government body responsible for managing religious activities at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, ensuring the smooth operation of worship and the dissemination of Islamic teachings.

Q2. What is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Translation Project?

A2. It is a project by the Presidency’s Department of Languages and Translation to translate and broadcast sermons and lessons from the Two Holy Mosques into multiple languages, using modern technology to reach a global audience.

Q3. How many people listened to the Arafat sermon translation in 2024?

A3. Approximately 621 million people worldwide listened to the translation of the Arafat sermon during the 2024 Hajj season, broadcast in 20 languages via the Manarat Al-Haramain platform.

Q4. What is the Manarat Al-Haramain platform?

A4. Manarat Al-Haramain is a digital platform used by the Presidency to broadcast translated sermons and religious content from the Two Holy Mosques, enabling global access to these spiritual messages.

Q5. How many languages are used for translating the sermons?

A5. The sermons are translated into 20 international languages, ensuring that non-Arabic-speaking Muslims can understand the content and participate in the spiritual experience.

Q6. What was the reach of the Eid al-Adha sermon translation?

A6. The Eid al-Adha sermon translation reached about 20 million people, including 6 million live listeners, marking the highest number ever achieved by the Presidency.

Q7. Why is translation important for the Two Holy Mosques?

A7. Translation makes the sermons and lessons accessible to non-Arabic speakers, allowing Muslims worldwide to benefit from the religious content and strengthening their connection to the holy sites.

Q8. What other services does the Department of Languages and Translation provide?

A8. The department provides translation for all religious activities, events, and initiatives at the Two Holy Mosques, including Friday sermons, lessons, and special occasions, using advanced technical means.

Q9. How does this initiative reflect Saudi Arabia’s leadership?

A9. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims globally, using technology and innovation to spread the message of the Two Holy Mosques and facilitate access to religious knowledge.

Q10. What is the significance of the record-breaking viewership in 2024?

A10. The high viewership indicates a growing global demand for accessible Islamic content and showcases the Kingdom’s ability to leverage digital platforms to meet that demand effectively.

Q11. How does the translation project align with Vision 2030?

A11. It supports Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing the pilgrimage experience, promoting moderation, and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in serving Islam and Muslims.

Q12. Who oversees the translation of sermons at the Two Holy Mosques?

A12. The Department of Languages and Translation at the Presidency of Religious Affairs is responsible for overseeing and executing the translation of sermons and other religious content.

Q13. What technology is used for broadcasting the translated sermons?

A13. The Presidency utilizes modern technical means and digital platforms like Manarat Al-Haramain to broadcast the translated sermons live and on-demand to a global audience.

Q14. How many people listened live to the Eid al-Adha sermon translation?

A14. About 6 million people listened live to the Eid al-Adha sermon translation, contributing to the total reach of 20 million across various channels.

Q15. What is the goal of sharing the message of the Two Holy Mosques?

A15. The goal is to convey the moderate and tolerant message of Islam to a global audience, enabling Muslims worldwide to benefit from the spiritual and educational content of the Two Holy Mosques.

Q16. How does the translation project benefit non-Arabic-speaking Muslims?

A16. It allows them to understand the sermons and lessons in their native languages, fostering a deeper connection to the Two Holy Mosques and enhancing their religious experience.

Q17. What role does the Presidency play in Hajj and Umrah seasons?

A17. The Presidency manages religious activities, ensures the availability of translated content, and facilitates the spiritual experience for millions of pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons.

Q18. Are the translated sermons available after the live broadcast?

A18. Yes, the translated sermons and lessons are made available through digital platforms, allowing people to access them at their convenience after the live broadcast.

Q19. How does this initiative promote cultural exchange?

A19. By making the sermons accessible in multiple languages, it bridges cultural gaps, fosters understanding among diverse Muslim communities, and showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global Islamic outreach.

Q20. What future developments can be expected for the translation project?

A20. The Presidency is likely to continue expanding its translation services, incorporating more languages and advanced technologies to reach even larger audiences and enhance the global impact of the Two Holy Mosques’ message.

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