Mecca: Hajj rituals this year have seen remarkable facilitation through the integration of translation and technology, enabling over one and a half million pilgrims from different cultures to perform their rituals in harmony. Despite the diversity in language and culture, pilgrims are united by their shared destination and purpose, with language barriers minimized by the organized and spiritual nature of the event.
According to Saudi Press Agency, artificial intelligence has played a key role in enhancing this harmony. Instant translation applications on smart devices and phones have been strategically placed in vital locations, allowing pilgrims to receive directions and instructions in multiple languages almost instantly. This is part of broader efforts to improve the Hajj experience using advanced technology.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has also contributed significantly by providing specialized translation teams under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation. These teams offer religious guidance in numerous international languages, such as English, French, Thai, Serbian, Urdu, Dutch, Filipino, Amharic, Indonesian, German, and Turkish. Additional languages are made available as needed to accommodate pilgrims from over 100 countries.
Further efforts by the Ministry include offering a free phone service aimed at addressing half a million inquiries remotely during the Hajj season. Additionally, more than four million awareness messages are broadcasted through 340 electronic screens, and 100 million text messages are sent to pilgrims' phones, showcasing the Ministry's use of technology to enhance service reach and efficiency.
The Presidency of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has finalized preparations to translate the Arafat sermon into 35 languages for the Hajj season of 1446 AH. This initiative, in cooperation with the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, aims to enrich the religious experience of pilgrims and spread the message of moderation and balance globally. The project targets more than 5 million beneficiaries, reflecting the coordinated efforts to communicate the sermon worldwide and enhance the international presence of the Two Holy Mosques.
This blend of technology and human effort, combined with translation and organization, showcases an advanced approach to managing global crowds. It underscores the Kingdom's commitment to its religious and humanitarian duties, ensuring a facilitated, safe, and inclusive Hajj experience for all, regardless of language, culture, or geographic origin. As millions of pilgrims perform their rituals in unison, technology acts as a facilitator, translation serves as a bridge of understanding, and Hajj remains a spiritual journey that transcends linguistic boundaries.