The first group of 250 pilgrims under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit has arrived in Makkah and performed Umrah, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The group reached the holy city after spending several days in Madinah, where they visited some of the most significant sites in early Islamic history.
King Salman is hosting 1,000 male and female Umrah pilgrims from around the world at his personal expense this year. The pilgrims are arriving in four groups over the course of 1448 AH. The program is implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance.
Pilgrims drawn from 16 countries
The first group brings together worshippers from across Asia. Participants come from Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mongolia.
Upon arrival in Makkah, the guests performed Umrah and expressed their appreciation to the Kingdom's leadership for the care and services that eased their pilgrimage. They also thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their hospitality, and praised the organization of the program.
Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and general supervisor of the program, said the initiative reflects the Kingdom's commitment to serving Islam and Muslims and to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among Muslim communities. He said the program is designed to help worshippers perform Umrah and visit the holy sites with ease and peace of mind.
A program of worship and learning
The program in Makkah includes scientific and cultural events alongside the acts of worship. Guests are scheduled to visit the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa and the Revelation Exhibition in the Hira Cultural District, deepening their understanding of the history and significance of the sites they visit.
During their earlier stay in Madinah, the guests toured the King Fahd Glorious Qur'an Printing Complex, where they learned about its high-precision printing, translation and global distribution of the Qur'an. They also visited Mount Uhud, the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery and Quba Mosque, and prayed at these historic locations while learning about the Battle of Uhud.
Religious guidance in native languages
A Shariah committee accompanies the program to provide religious guidance and awareness services throughout the visit. The committee answers questions on Islamic rulings, explains the rites of Umrah and visitation, identifies approved places to visit, and delivers guidance sessions and lectures.
These services are offered by a group of preachers and translators so that guidance reaches the guests clearly in their own languages. The aim, according to the ministry, is to help pilgrims perform their rites in accordance with authentic Islamic teachings.
The Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program is an annual initiative through which the Kingdom hosts Muslims from many countries for Hajj, Umrah or a visit to the two holy mosques. It sits alongside the broader expansion of pilgrim services that Saudi authorities have rolled out for the 1448 AH Umrah season.
Practical notes for Umrah pilgrims
For pilgrims planning their own Umrah this season, several practical points are worth keeping in mind. Every pilgrim must secure an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before entering Masjid al-Haram, even when holding a valid visa. Pilgrims should combine their visit to Makkah with time in Madinah where possible, following the example of these guests by visiting Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud and the Prophet's Mosque.
Travellers are also encouraged to seek reliable religious guidance before performing the rites, so that each step of Umrah is completed correctly. Learning the rulings in advance, from trustworthy scholars and teachers, helps pilgrims focus on worship once they arrive at the holy sites.