Madinah, January 28, 2025 – The third group of participants in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Umrah and Visit departed Madinah today, heading towards Makkah to perform the sacred rituals of Umrah. This program, implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, continues to provide a spiritually enriching experience for Muslim pilgrims from around the world, with this particular group including 250 men and women hailing from 18 African countries.
The guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed deep gratitude and joy for the opportunity to pray in the Prophet’s Holy Mosque in Madinah, where they visited the revered site of Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah. This sacred place, situated between the Prophet's tomb and his pulpit, is considered one of the most spiritually significant locations in Islam, and the guests spoke of their profound emotional connection to this place of prayer.
In addition to their time spent in prayer and reflection at the Prophet’s Mosque, the guests had the opportunity to visit several important religious and cultural landmarks in Madinah. Among these were Mount Uhud, the Martyrs' Cemetery, where the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are buried, and the Quba Mosque, the first mosque ever built in Islam. These visits allowed the pilgrims to deepen their understanding of the rich history and legacy of Islam.
The group also toured the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran, where they gained insight into the Kingdom's efforts to print and distribute copies of the Quran globally, ensuring access to the Holy Book for Muslims worldwide. Another key stop was the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization, which showcases the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as well as the evolution of Islamic civilization.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program, now in its 1446 AH iteration, has provided thousands of pilgrims with the opportunity to experience the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah, offering not only the chance to perform Umrah but also to explore the cultural and historical richness of the Islamic heritage. This third group of pilgrims, representing countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Senegal, and many others, is just one example of the program’s commitment to bringing Muslims from diverse backgrounds together for a shared spiritual journey.
As they departed Madinah for Makkah, the participants expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for facilitating their pilgrimage and providing them with exceptional services throughout their visit. With the support of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program continues to play a vital role in connecting Muslims from around the world to the sacred sites of Islam, reinforcing the bonds of faith and solidarity among the global Muslim community.
This initiative, part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to serve pilgrims and enhance their experiences, reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to fostering spiritual connections and providing an environment that allows for both religious reflection and cultural exploration. As the third group of guests embarks on the next phase of their journey to Makkah, their visit remains a testament to the enduring significance of Islam's holiest sites and the Kingdom’s pivotal role in facilitating the religious practices of Muslims worldwide.
