Mecca: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has taken a significant step by deploying specialized translation teams in several international languages to aid the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation. This effort is aimed at assisting non-Arabic-speaking pilgrims in performing their rituals seamlessly and promoting religious awareness through a balanced approach.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the guest camps offer languages including English, French, Thai, Serbian, Urdu, Dutch, Filipino, Amharic, Indonesian, German, and Turkish. Additional languages are provided as needed, catering to the cultural and linguistic diversity of pilgrims arriving from over 100 countries worldwide.
Translators are crucial in delivering simultaneous interpretations of fatwas and religious awareness speeches post-prayers. They collaborate closely with the Sharia Committee to address religious inquiries and translate guidelines related to essential Hajj rites, such as stoning and other procedural aspects. This support aims to improve organization, enhance awareness, and provide reassurance to pilgrims.