Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has issued a royal decree to host

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has issued a royal decree to host 1,300 pilgrims from 100 different countries for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, which is scheduled to take place in the year 1446 AH according to the Islamic calendar. This initiative falls under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program, which is a continuation of the longstanding tradition of the Kingdom to facilitate the journey and accommodation of Muslims from around the world to perform the Hajj, a mandatory religious duty for those who are physically and financially able to do so.

The program has been established to enhance the experience of the pilgrims and to provide them with the necessary care and services during their stay in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. This includes accommodation, transportation, food, and medical services, among other facilities. The selection of the pilgrims is typically based on their commitment to spreading the message of peace and Islamic values in their communities, as well as their contribution to social and humanitarian causes.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are capable of undertaking the physically demanding journey. Each year, millions of Muslims from across the globe gather in Mecca to perform the Hajj, which involves a series of rituals and worship that take place over five to six days. The pilgrimage is a significant event for the Islamic community and is a powerful demonstration of unity and solidarity among Muslims from diverse backgrounds.

The announcement of this program reflects the Saudi government's commitment to maintaining the safety, security, and comfort of the pilgrims, as well as its efforts to promote interfaith understanding and cultural exchange. It also underscores the importance of the Kingdom's role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and facilitating the worship of Muslims worldwide. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years, which led to significant reductions in the number of pilgrims allowed to participate, the Saudi government has been gradually increasing the quota of Hajj pilgrims to ensure that as many Muslims as possible can perform the pilgrimage safely and comfortably.