Saudi Arabia has introduced an innovative "Smart Book of Hajj Rituals" to guide pilgrims in preparation for this year’s Hajj, which will take place in early June.
The guide is available in six languages, including Arabic, English, Urdu, French, Malayalam, and Turkish, making it accessible to a wide range of pilgrims. The guide can be accessed through electronic libraries located in mosques and onboard Saudia flights. The main goal is to ensure that pilgrims are well-informed about the rituals and rules of Hajj to make their pilgrimage smoother and more meaningful.
The launch of the guide was announced by Sheikh Abdullatif Al Al Sheikh, the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, who also oversees the Supreme Committee for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Affairs. The unveiling took place during an important meeting with local officials in Mecca, the home of Islam's holiest site, the Masjid al-Haram.
During this meeting, authorities also discussed the broader preparations for the pilgrimage, which included ensuring that mosques along the pilgrims' travel routes are ready and that a comprehensive guidance program is rolled out.
Additionally, there will be multilingual translators stationed at key land, sea, and air entry points to assist pilgrims from different regions. Educational materials are also being distributed to further educate pilgrims on the rules and significance of Hajj. These preparations reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and well-organized pilgrimage for Muslims around the world.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is a religious obligation for every Muslim who is physically and financially capable of performing it at least once in their lifetime. Last year, approximately 1.8 million Muslims performed Hajj, with around 1.6 million coming from outside Saudi Arabia. This year, preparations are in full swing to accommodate a large number of pilgrims, and the electronic guide aims to provide comprehensive support in multiple languages to meet the needs of diverse pilgrims.
