Egypt Daily News – Millions of worshippers, including pilgrims and visitors, attended the Friday sermon and prayer at the Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Haram) and the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid An-Nabawi). The sermon focused on the virtues of the last ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the rituals of Hajj, and the importance of God-consciousness (Taqwa).
Saudi authorities announced that more than one and a half million pilgrims had arrived as of Friday morning, the 3rd of Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH.
The Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques launched a program to deliver the translation of the Arafah sermon for this year’s Hajj season (1446 AH) to Muslims worldwide in 35 languages, spreading the message of moderation globally in multiple languages.
Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, President of the Two Holy Mosques, emphasized that the presidency is keen to showcase the enlightened efforts of the wise leadership in serving Islam and Muslims, as well as the pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques. A key element of the broadcast is the dissemination of the Arafah sermon’s guidance, which emphasizes human brotherhood, civilization, and religious tolerance, translated into 35 languages this year.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance continued implementing awareness programs for visitors to the Grand Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque, and the Mosque of Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) in At-Tan’im. These programs include digital and AI-supported services answering pilgrims’ questions about Hajj rituals, staffed Islamic awareness booths with official preachers and translators in global languages, and distribution of religious literature in several international languages.
Giant electronic screens broadcasting awareness messages in multiple global languages were installed inside the mosque. Additionally, an AI-powered electronic library was launched, offering many books and guidance booklets, allowing pilgrims to download them via barcode scanning on mobile phones. This initiative reflects the ministry’s use of modern technology to serve the guests of the Two Holy Mosques.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced its full readiness to receive pilgrims’ calls through the Guest Care Center (1966), offering a comprehensive and high-quality package of services during the 1446 AH Hajj season. The center operates 24/7 in more than 11 languages, handling inquiries, reports, suggestions, and complaints related to transport, accommodation, and meals, ensuring all issues are addressed promptly.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, inspected the sorting point at Al-Shumaisi center located on the Mecca-Jeddah highway and the field monitoring center of the Special Forces for Road Security.
He received a briefing from General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Besami, Director of Public Security, on the security procedures at the sorting point, the verification mechanisms for pilgrims’ legal entry, and the prevention of unauthorized individuals.
He also reviewed coordination efforts with various agencies to ensure the smooth and continuous movement of pilgrims using advanced technologies at the field monitoring center, including the “Lucid” vehicle equipped with smart security systems, thermal cameras for continuous crowd monitoring in various environmental conditions, direct transport vehicles relaying live footage to operations rooms to support rapid decision-making, and a winged aircraft used for precise and rapid aerial crowd monitoring and density analysis.
The Ministry of Interior announced the apprehension of 115 violators of Hajj instructions and permits from various nationalities, raising the total number of violators arrested since the 1st of Dhu al-Qi’dah to 785. Some of the violators have been deported outside the Kingdom and appropriate penalties applied.
A committee from the Water Authority inspected operational plans for water and environmental services in Mecca and the sacred sites. The National Center for Meteorology provided 100% aerial coverage of the atmosphere over the sacred sites and intensified its field and technical operations to enhance its readiness for this season. There are 16 automatic weather monitoring stations in Mecca and the sacred sites, plus two manned stations in Mina and Arafah.
Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jad’i, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, conducted an inspection tour of the sacred sites to ensure the readiness of services provided to pilgrims during the 1446 AH Hajj season regarding food and medicine safety. He monitored factories and warehouses and ensured the quality of products offered during the Hajj season.
