How Saudi King Invites 1000 Umrah Pilgrims in 2024?
Hello, my dear readers. I have some wonderful news for you today from Saudi Arabia, the land of the two holy mosques. Have you heard that the Saudi King, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has decided to invite 1000 Umrah pilgrims from all over the world in 2024? This is such a kind and generous gesture that shows the king’s dedication to serving Islam and Muslims. In our Islamic blog post, I will tell you more about this amazing initiative, what Umrah is, and why it is important for us as Muslims.
About King
Saudi Arabia is currently under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who also serves as the custodian of the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina. King Salman ascended to the throne in 2015 following the passing of his brother, King Abdullah. Notably, he is the father of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, often referred to as the real powerhouse behind the country’s affairs and the visionary driving Saudi Vision 2030.
King Salman’s reign has witnessed significant developments, including the deployment of troops to Yemen, the historic decision allowing Saudi women to drive, and diplomatic overtures towards Israel. With a staggering fortune of $18 billion, King Salman is one of the wealthiest leaders globally. Born on December 31, 1935, in Riyadh, he is the 25th son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia.
Before assuming the throne, King Salman held key positions, serving as the governor of Riyadh for almost five decades. His journey in public service continued as the defense minister and the crown prince until he eventually became the king. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the oldest living king and the third oldest living leader globally.
Umrah and Hajj Program:
This noble work falls under the Umrah and Hajj program, a project named in honor of Saudi King Salman and managed by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The program goes beyond the traditional pilgrimage framework, aiming to bring together diverse individuals including scholars, clerics, influential figures and university professors.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that we Muslims can do anytime of the year in Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Umrah involves two main rituals: circling the Kaaba, the house of God, seven times, and walking between two hills, Safa and Marwah, seven times. These rituals symbolize the unity of Muslims and the trust in God’s guidance and mercy. Umrah is a spiritual journey that brings us closer to God and to each other.
Umrah is different from Hajj, which is the obligatory pilgrimage that we Muslims must do at least once in our lifetime, if we are able to do so. Hajj takes place in a specific period of the Islamic lunar calendar, and has more rituals and requirements than Umrah. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the declaration of faith, prayer, charity, and fasting. Umrah, on the other hand, is a recommended act of worship, but not mandatory.
Umrah is especially rewarding during Ramadan, the month of fasting and prayer, when we Muslims seek God’s forgiveness and mercy. Ramadan is also the month when the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Doing Umrah during Ramadan is like doing Hajj with Prophet Muhammad, according to a saying of the Prophet.
Arrival of first team:
The journey began with the arrival of the first batch of 250 pilgrimage from 14 Asian countries including Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. They arrived on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the global Umrah initiative, as reported by the prestigious Saudi news agency SPA.
What is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit?
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit is a program run by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance. The program pays for the expenses of selected participants who are invited by the king to do Hajj or Umrah, or to visit the holy sites in Saudi Arabia. The program aims to strengthen Muslim brotherhood, spread Islamic values, and fight extremism.
The program started in 1996 by the late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, and has since hosted more than 53,000 guests from 97 countries. The guests include prominent Islamic figures, such as scholars, clerics, influential personalities, university professors, media professionals, and social activists. The guests are also offered various cultural and educational activities, such as lectures, seminars, workshops, and visits to historical and heritage sites.
The program is supervised by Sheikh Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh, the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs and general supervisor of the program. He thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their generous gesture, highlighting their commitment to serving Islam, strengthening Muslim brotherhood, and fostering communication, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Who are the 1000 Umrah pilgrims invited by the king?
The 1000 Umrah pilgrims invited by the king are prominent Islamic figures from around the world, including scholars, clerics, influential personalities, and university professors. They come from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, but they share the same faith and love for God. They will be hosted under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program to do Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and pray at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
The first group of 250 guests arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, January 4, from 14 Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They were welcomed by officials from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. They were also given special gifts and souvenirs, such as dates, Zamzam water, and prayer rugs.
The next batch of 250 guests is scheduled to arrive on Friday, January 5, from 15 African countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and Somalia. Following them, the third group of 250 guests will come on Saturday, January 6, representing 16 European countries, including France, Germany, and Italy. Finally, the fourth and last group of 250 guests is expected on Sunday, January 7, arriving from 15 American countries such as the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
These guests will be in Saudi Arabia for about 10 days. During their stay, they’ll perform Umrah and visit the sacred places in Mecca and Medina. Alongside the pilgrimage, they’ll be part of different cultural and educational activities. This includes meetings with Saudi officials, scholars, and intellectuals, as well as attending lectures and workshops on Islamic topics. They’ll also have the chance to explore museums and landmarks in the country.
Ministry Preparation:
Minister of Islamic Affairs Abdul Latif Al Sheikh stated that the invitees represent prominent Islamic figures from around the world, including scholars, scholars and university professors. The Ministry has ensured the readiness of all facilities with integrated itineraries closely prepared to meet the various needs of the Umrah guests.
Why is This Initiative Significant?
There are several reasons why this initiative holds great importance. Firstly, it reflects the kindness and welcoming nature of the Saudi king and the people, who open their arms to Muslims worldwide. Secondly, it showcases the leadership and responsibility of both the Saudi king and government, acting as the guardians of the two holy mosques and the sacred sites in Saudi Arabia. Thirdly, it enhances communication and collaboration within the Muslim community, providing a platform for the exchange of views and experiences. Lastly, it contributes to improving the image and reputation of Saudi Arabia and Islam, countering the misunderstandings or misrepresentations often perpetuated by some media outlets.
This initiative also aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan launched in 2016 by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. With three main pillars – a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation – the vision encompasses various programs and projects. These initiatives aim to achieve diverse goals, including boosting non-oil revenues, generating more job opportunities, enhancing public services, fostering cultural and tourism sectors, and strengthening international relations.
A key objective of the Saudi Vision 2030 is to significantly increase the number of Umrah visitors, from 8 million in 2015 to an ambitious 30 million by 2030. To attain this goal, Saudi Arabia has implemented numerous facilities and reforms for pilgrims. These include the introduction of e-visas, online reservation systems, health insurance coverage, and extended visa durations. The country has also extended a warm welcome to pilgrims from more nations, including Turkey, and relaxed certain rules, such as allowing women to perform Umrah without a male guardian.
Curious to Know More? Here’s How:
If you’re eager to delve deeper into this initiative, there are a few handy links you can explore:
- Discover more about Saudi King hosting 1,000 Umrah pilgrims in 2024
- Unveiling details: Saudi Arabia to host 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from around the world
- Get the full scoop: King Salman’s diverse gathering of 1,000 Umrah pilgrims worldwide
I hope you found my blog post on the Saudi king’s invitation to 1,000 Umrah pilgrims in 2024 enjoyable. Any burning questions or thoughts you’d like to share? Feel free to drop a comment below. Your time and attention are much appreciated. Until next time, may peace be upon you.
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