Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Over three million people have benefited from the services of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance in Makkah, Madinah, the holy sites, and border entry points across various regions of Saudi Arabia during the 2025 Hajj season. This comes as part of an operational plan aimed at promoting religious awareness and facilitating the performance of rituals in accordance with the principles of moderation and balance.

The ministry's key initiatives included supplying over 1.6 million liters of water at Namirah Mosque in Arafat. It conducted 125,000 awareness activities in Makkah and Madinah, with 1,700 scholars and preachers providing direct religious guidance. Over 1.4 million educational materials, including books, brochures, and digital cards explaining ritual rulings, were distributed. Additionally, nearly 100 million multilingual awareness text messages were sent to pilgrims in various locations.

Through its digital platforms, the ministry broadcast 43 educational video episodes on its official YouTube channel. Its toll-free Islamic awareness hotline received over 500,000 calls, and four million video messages in multiple languages were displayed on 340 digital screens in Miqat mosques and hotel prayer areas near the Grand Mosque.

Additionally, over 25,000 volunteers participated across various regions of the Kingdom, contributing more than 124,000 volunteer hours through opportunities provided by the ministry to serve pilgrims. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Gift of copies of the Holy Qur'an was distributed among departing pilgrims at various border crossings.