Ads, Films Educate Pilgrims About Hajj

CAIRO — With hajj preparations are in full swing, Saudi authorities are championing a campaign to educate pilgrims on hajj rituals and fatwas through electronic advertising boards at main squares and streets as well as millions of books, films and pamphlets in different languages.

“Upon arrival through land, air and sea entry ports, each pilgrim will be provided with two Hajj books, a copy of the Holy Qur’an and a Hajj CD,” Talal Al-Aqeel, adviser to the Minister of Islamic Affairs, told the Saudi Gazette on Monday, October 8.

“The ministry is also cooperating with 90 satellite channels as well as local Saudi TV and radio to air educational programs about the Hajj.”

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The plan, carried by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance, focuses on using electronic advertising boards at main squares and streets in Makkah and Madinah to educate pilgrims on hajj.

As for domestic pilgrims, the ministry plans to distribute six million books, films and pamphlets in different languages.

It has also prepared 12 million Qur’an copies and recordings in 32 languages for pilgrims coming from different countries around the world.

The plan aims at educating pilgrims about the easiest ways to perform Hajj and `Umrah rituals according to traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him).

“We’ve used very simple and creative methods to simplify information and get it across to pilgrims in the best way,” Al-Aqeel, who is also the chairman of the Islamic education committee, said.

“Everyone will notice the difference in this year’s educational programs and films that rely on the principle of moderation.

“We want pilgrims to understand the obligations and rulings related to Hajj and perform the rituals in the simplest way possible.”

Technology

Along with educating pilgrims, the Supreme hajj Committee is using advanced technology to offer pilgrims updated data about timings of flights, departure schedules and hajj statistics.

“Madinah Gov. Prince Abdul Aziz bin Majed, chairman of the Madinah hajj Committee, is very particular to offer excellent services to the pilgrims with the help of advanced management systems and technology,” the Saudi Press Agency reported quoting from the statement on Saturday.

Screens will display the grouping of pilgrims, departure time from their residential units, GPS for the pilgrim accommodations, and daily statements about Hajj statistics and other developments interesting to pilgrims.

This data will be displayed on large screens at prominent locations including the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.

Muslims from around the world pour into Makkah every year to perform hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam.

Hajj consists of several ceremonies, which are meant to symbolize the essential concepts of the Islamic faith, and to commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham and his family.

Every able-bodied adult Muslim who can financially afford the trip must perform hajj at least once in a lifetime.(onislam.net)