Volunteer Work Opens at Two Holy Mosques for Both Genders

The Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has announced the opening of volunteer opportunities at the Two Holy Mosques, available to both men and women. The initiative, reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), aims to attract national talent and competencies to serve pilgrims and visitors at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and the Grand Mosque in Makkah. It is being implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the National Center for the Non-Profit Sector, and a Saudi volunteer incubator that provides a safe and regulated environment for volunteer engagement across the Kingdom.

Context and Background

Volunteerism holds a deeply rooted place in Islamic tradition, as emphasized by Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Head of Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. Dr. Al-Sudais noted that the Quran and hadith encourage the spirit of volunteer work within Muslim society, describing the culture of volunteering as an integral part of Islamic heritage. The new opportunities at the Two Holy Mosques are designed to build on this heritage while aligning with the Kingdom’s modern developmental goals.

The initiative also reflects the broader national push under Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance social responsibility and increase volunteer participation. Dr. Al-Sudais highlighted that the program aims to involve over one million volunteers, a target that underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering cohesion and solidarity. By opening volunteer work to both genders, the Presidency ensures that all segments of society can contribute to the honor of serving the guests of God.

Key Details

The volunteer opportunities are structured to invest in national talents and competencies, with a focus on serving pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque. The coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Center for the Non-Profit Sector ensures that volunteers operate within a safe, organized framework. This partnership also regulates the relationship between entities offering volunteer opportunities and the volunteers themselves, promoting transparency and effectiveness.

Dr. Al-Sudais emphasized that the religious system provides dedicated services for older people and people with special needs, and encourages participation in various religious services. The initiative thus offers a wide range of roles suited to different skills and capabilities. Volunteers will have the chance to contribute to the spiritual experience of millions while developing their own skills and social awareness.

Implications and Impact

The opening of volunteer work at the Two Holy Mosques is expected to have a positive impact on the volunteer culture in Saudi Arabia, enhancing its reach and effectiveness. By engaging both men and women, the program promotes inclusivity and taps into a broader pool of talent. It also reinforces the Kingdom’s image as a leader in humanitarian and religious services, demonstrating its capacity to manage large-scale volunteer efforts with professionalism and care.

Furthermore, the initiative supports the development of social responsibility among individuals and groups, a key pillar of Vision 2030. It provides a structured avenue for citizens and residents to give back to society, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The experience gained by volunteers will likely have lasting benefits for communities across the Kingdom, as participants bring their skills and values back to their local areas.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The volunteer program at the Two Holy Mosques directly advances Saudi Vision 2030’s objective of increasing volunteer numbers to over one million. It reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to empowering its people, particularly the youth, to take an active role in national development. By investing in national talents and fostering a culture of giving, the initiative contributes to a vibrant society and a strong economy. As the Presidency of Religious Affairs continues to facilitate such opportunities, it reinforces the Kingdom’s global role as a custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and a champion of humanitarian values.

20 Questions

Q1. What did the Presidency of Religious Affairs announce?

A1. The Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced the opening of volunteer opportunities at the Two Holy Mosques, available to both men and women.

Q2. Who is the head of religious affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque?

A2. Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais is the head of religious affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. He emphasized the importance of volunteer work in promoting social values.

Q3. What is the aim of opening volunteer work at the Two Holy Mosques?

A3. The aim is to attract volunteers and invest in national talents and competencies to serve pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque, enhancing the volunteer culture and its impact on society.

Q4. Which entities are coordinating this volunteer initiative?

A4. The initiative is coordinated with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the National Center for the Non-Profit Sector, and a Saudi incubator for volunteer work.

Q5. What role does the Saudi incubator for volunteer work play?

A5. The Saudi incubator provides a safe environment that regulates the relationship between entities providing volunteer opportunities and volunteers in the Kingdom.

Q6. How does volunteer work align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A6. Volunteer work aligns with Vision 2030 by developing social responsibility among individuals and groups to involve over a million volunteers, fostering a vibrant society.

Q7. What did Dr. Al-Sudais say about the culture of volunteering?

A7. Dr. Al-Sudais noted that the Quran and hadith encourage the spirit of volunteer work in Muslim society and that the culture of volunteering is deeply rooted in Islamic heritage.

Q8. Will both genders be allowed to volunteer at the Two Holy Mosques?

A8. Yes, the volunteer opportunities are open to both men and women, ensuring inclusivity and allowing all segments of society to serve pilgrims and visitors.

Q9. What services are provided for older people and people with special needs?

A9. The religious system provides services dedicated to caring for older people and people with special needs, and encourages participation in various religious services at the Two Holy Mosques.

Q10. What is the target number of volunteers under Vision 2030?

A10. Saudi Vision 2030 aims to involve over one million volunteers, a target that this initiative supports by providing structured opportunities at the Two Holy Mosques.

Q11. Where will the volunteer work take place?

A11. The volunteer work will take place at the Two Holy Mosques: the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, serving pilgrims and visitors.

Q12. What did Dr. Al-Sudais emphasize about volunteer work?

A12. He emphasized the importance of volunteer work in promoting social values and fostering cohesion and solidarity within society, and its alignment with Islamic and social values.

Q13. How does the initiative enhance volunteer culture?

A13. The opportunity to volunteer at the Two Holy Mosques will enhance the volunteer culture and its impact on the individual and society, while considering Islamic and social values.

Q14. What is the significance of serving at the Two Holy Mosques?

A14. Serving at the Two Holy Mosques is considered an honor and a privilege, allowing volunteers to contribute to the spiritual experience of millions of pilgrims and visitors.

Q15. Who can apply for these volunteer opportunities?

A15. National talents and competencies from both genders can apply, as the initiative aims to attract volunteers and invest in Saudi human capital to serve the guests of God.

Q16. What is the role of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development?

A16. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development coordinates with the Presidency to facilitate volunteer opportunities and ensure they align with national standards.

Q17. What is the National Center for the Non-Profit Sector’s involvement?

A17. The National Center for the Non-Profit Sector is involved in coordinating and supporting the volunteer initiative, ensuring proper regulation and fostering a safe environment for volunteers.

Q18. How does volunteer work benefit individuals and society?

A18. Volunteer work develops social responsibility, enhances skills, and fosters cohesion and solidarity. It allows individuals to give back while gaining valuable experience and contributing to society.

Q19. What values does volunteer work promote according to Dr. Al-Sudais?

A19. Dr. Al-Sudais stated that volunteer work promotes social values, cohesion, and solidarity, and is encouraged by the Quran and hadith as part of Islamic heritage.

Q20. How does this initiative reflect Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A20. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s role as custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and a leader in humanitarian efforts, showcasing its commitment to serving pilgrims and promoting volunteerism globally.

---