The Ministry of Awqaf and Guidance is making exceptional efforts to support Yemeni pilgrims.

The Sacred Duty of Serving Pilgrims

The service of pilgrims stands as one of the most sacred and significant religious duties for Muslims. It represents a profound way to draw closer to God.

Early Efforts to Facilitate Pilgrimage

With the announcement of registration for those wishing to perform Hajj, the Ministry of Awqaf and Guidance faced significant challenges. The ministry aimed to successfully serve 24,255 pilgrims while ensuring compliance with the guidelines set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Office of Yemeni Pilgrims worked diligently to fulfill this mission, recognizing its religious and national importance.

Commitment to Modernization

Dr. Mohammed Shabeeb, the Minister of Awqaf and Guidance, stated to the Yemeni News Agency (Saba) that the ministry has actively sought to align with Saudi Arabia’s advancements in pilgrimage services as part of Vision 2030. He noted that the ministry proposed several initiatives to facilitate Hajj, with continuous support from President Rashad Alimi, the Presidential Leadership Council, and the Prime Minister.

Dr. Shabeeb emphasized the selection of optimal locations for pilgrims in the holy sites of Mina and Arafat. The ministry contracted major Saudi companies to provide essential services, including accommodation, transportation, and healthcare for the guests of God. He praised the Saudi authorities for their cooperation and the facilities they offered to ensure the success of these efforts.

Comprehensive Support from Yemen to Arafat

Service committees for Yemeni pilgrims are present from Yemen to the holy sites in Mina and Arafat, including their accommodations in Mecca. The Ministry of Awqaf and Guidance established a special committee at the Al-Wadiah border crossing to facilitate pilgrims’ transactions and provide necessary support. Additional committees operate in their accommodations in the holy lands to welcome and settle them in coordination with accredited Hajj and Umrah agencies.

Minister Shabeeb explained that committees have been assigned to evaluate and monitor the quality of services provided to pilgrims in their accommodations, with regular reports submitted. He assured that any shortcomings would not be tolerated, and those failing to fulfill their duties would face accountability.

Educating Pilgrims on Religious Duties

The pilgrimage mission extends beyond logistical support; it also addresses the psychological and spiritual needs of pilgrims. A dedicated awareness committee provides pilgrims with essential religious knowledge about Hajj rituals, obligations, and traditions. Minister Shabeeb highlighted that educating pilgrims is crucial for ensuring they perform their rituals correctly and completely.

He added that there is a strong emphasis on awareness through guides stationed in pilgrims’ accommodations, encouraging them to avoid hypocrisy and divisive behaviors that could undermine this sacred mission.

The Importance of Permits for Pilgrimage

The Yemeni delegation stresses the necessity of obtaining a permit to perform Hajj. This requirement not only aligns with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s regulations but also prevents chaos caused by unauthorized actions.

Minister Shabeeb pointed out that allowing unauthorized individuals to perform Hajj infringes on the rights of those who have invested time and money to secure their permits. He noted that the participation of these violators would come at the expense of legitimate pilgrims.

He reiterated that the ministry’s insistence on permit compliance aims to protect pilgrims’ rights and ensure they can perform their rituals smoothly and without disturbances.

Addressing Shortcomings in Service

Dr. Mukhtar Al-Rabash, the Undersecretary for Hajj and Umrah, acknowledged that some shortcomings may arise in any large-scale operation like serving pilgrims, given the ongoing challenges. However, he affirmed that these shortcomings do not diminish the efforts of the mission’s committees, which work tirelessly to provide the best services across all areas.

Dr. Al-Rabash highlighted the digital transformation of the pilgrimage mission through the "Yalmilm" application, which manages and documents Hajj procedures. This innovation has streamlined processes for pilgrims, enhancing organization and transparency while aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. He noted that this significant shift posed a challenge for the ministry to improve service quality using modern technological solutions, despite Yemen’s limited resources and difficult circumstances.

He praised the cooperation of Saudi authorities and the support they provide to the ministry, emphasizing that this assistance plays a vital role in the success of the Yemeni mission and enables it to offer the best possible services to Yemeni pilgrims.

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