JEDDAH: Sheikh Saleh Bin Abdul Aziz Bin Muhammad Aal Al-Sheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Islamic Call and Guidance, has announced the launch of the ministry's media program, which is aimed at informing pilgrims how to perform Haj properly. The programs are also meant to educate pilgrims about the principles of the Haj rituals decreed by Almighty Allah. Aal-Alsheikh said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the ministry's plan this year has been designed to match the initiatives of the government agencies involved in providing Haj services. He said the ministry's plan includes preparing mosques in Makkah, Madina, Arafat and the Kingdom's land, air and sea entries. All publications will be in various languages. Copies of the Holy Qur'an will also be given free to every pilgrim as a gift from King Abdullah. The ministry has trained preachers involved in the ministry's enlightenment program to address the pilgrims in their own languages about the principles of Haj and appropriate methods of performing Haj. He said one of the ministry's main goals during this year's Haj is to convey information to pilgrims briefly and precisely in their language around the clock wherever they gather, and until they leave the Kingdom. This enlightenment service, which incorporates preaching and guidance, is carried out by a large group of preachers and interpreters. He said the programs also include the distribution of millions of booklets and cassettes, in 30 international languages, prepared by the ministry's various agencies. The information campaign is also being conducted on a number of satellite television channels, to reach the largest possible number of pilgrims. AalAl-Sheikh said the ministry has also devoted part of these programs to inform pilgrims about the huge projects being carried out by the government, including the Al-Mas'a and Al-Mashair train projects. He said the Kingdom has spent hundreds of billions of riyals on these projects to enable the Guests of Allah to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. To realize this goal, the government has made the best use of international and local expertise. He said the Haj provides a unique opportunity to acquaint pilgrims with the comprehensive development taking place in the Kingdom.
