Makkah: Since Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, called upon humanity to perform Hajj, hearts have yearned for the Holy Kaaba, traversing distant paths filled with yearning and faith. While the means have changed and the appearances transformed, necks still crane to catch a glimpse of the Holy Kaaba. Countless sacrifices have been made to reach it, as people arrive from across the globe, differing in language, race, and circumstance, united by a shared hope of seeing the Holy Kaaba, the pinnacle of their dreams and the noblest of goals.
According to Saudi Press Agency, in the past, caravans would cross the deserts in solemn silence, with the saying, 'The one going to Hajj is lost, and the one returning is reborn,' symbolizing the arduous nature of those journeys. Today, however, pilgrims are welcomed with flowers, and millions move in organized harmony under the shelter of security and safety.
In this context, Jabbar Al-Enezi, now in his eighties, recalls his experience when camel caravans made their way through valleys and deserts in response to the call of the Almighty and in pursuit of fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam.
Al-Enezi's journey began before he was even born when his widowed mother decided to embark on Hajj in 1360 AH while pregnant with him. She set out in a caravan with her brother, 10 men, and 15 riding camels. He was born in the desert of Tabuk. After one month and 20 days, the caravan reached the Miqat of Dhat Irq and began their Hajj rituals. Upon completing Hajj, they endured the same hardships on the journey home.
Years passed, and when Al-Enezi turned 40, he returned to Makkah in 1400 AH-not on camelback, but with his children, guiding them to perform Hajj. Their journey began as a large family gathering, preparing cars, tents, and food. Upon reaching the holy sites, they moved either on foot or via buses.
Today, the conditions have transformed, with services and facilities for pilgrims witnessing a major leap forward, especially under the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030. Jabbar's eldest son, Jazaa Al-Enezi, said, 'I performed Hajj last year. It was an easy and smooth experience by the grace of Allah and then by the efforts of this blessed country.'
Jazaa registered through the Nusuk app, which is more than just a booking platform; it is an integrated gateway for smart Hajj. Housing, transportation, guidance, and healthcare are all connected through a comprehensive digital system. Thanks to the electronic integration between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Ministry of Health, a digital health file was created for him and his family, linked to their national ID via the 'Nafath' platform, enabling any clinic or emergency team to instantly access their medical information without needing to ask a single question.
At every station, pilgrims found cool water, ample umbrellas, and medical teams prepared to assist. Hospitals were connected through smart electronic systems that continuously monitored crowd density and efficiently allocated services. Ambulances and the Red Crescent maintained direct communication with emergency points, ensuring rapid response. Illness was no longer a barrier, nor was the risk of loss a threat. Pilgrims were enveloped in a comprehensive digital and humanitarian network, where relevant ministries, agencies, and sectors collaborated seamlessly, unifying data to make each Hajj journey a safe, smooth, and reassuring experience of faith.
The son recalled how one of his father's companions had died of tuberculosis in Mina during a previous Hajj pilgrimage. This time, as he looked around, he felt reassured and calm. There were no reported epidemics, and official reports confirmed the high level of safety and preparedness. On the Day of Arafah, as he raised his hands in supplication, he was free from worries of infection or fatigue. Mobile clinics and health centers operated around the clock, seamlessly connected to the health command platform. Everything ran smoothly and without congestion, thanks to the integrated services provided by various sectors, all working together to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims, in line with the directives of the wise leadership.
Jabbar Al-Enezi, who has lived for more than eight decades, has witnessed the remarkable development of services and care for the Holy House of Allah. These advancements have culminated in the significant improvements achieved under the reign of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, making Hajj rituals easier and more convenient. Today, as he observed the throngs of Muslims gathering on the sacred plain of Arafat-surrounded by security and safety-a smile spread across his face. He raised his hands to the sky, fervently praying for Allah to continue bestowing abundant blessings upon this blessed country and richly reward the wise leadership for their unwavering dedication to serving the pilgrims.