From a Journey of Fear to the Joy of Pilgrimage

The article outlines the transformation of the pilgrimage journey from past fears of travel, hunger, and security to a comfortable and safe experience today. This change is credited to the efforts of Saudi kings, especially the "Makkah Route" initiative, which aims to streamline pilgrimage procedures and provide high-quality services to pilgrims.

From a Journey of Fear to the Joy of Pilgrimage

Written by: Dr. Abdul Latif bin Ali Al-Arishi

The hearts of believers yearn for the pilgrimage every year. Those whom God has blessed with the opportunity prepare for it months, even years, in advance. As the pilgrimage approaches, people gather around the pilgrim, bidding him farewell, as he may never return, for fear surrounds his journey on all sides—fear of the road, fear of hunger, and fear of security. Three fears, any one of which could prove fatal if escaped from the others. Thus, it was said: the one who goes to the pilgrimage is missing, and the one who returns is reborn. This was before the Hejaz came under the rule of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.

However, the situation changed. The first act of King Abdulaziz, may God have mercy on him, was to secure the pilgrimage route to the House of God. He announced across the lands that the road to Mecca was safe. Pilgrims’ caravans once again started flocking to Mecca after witnessing the generous care for the two holy mosques—security, construction, expansion, and development—by King Abdulaziz and his sons, the kings, until the reign of King Fahd, who titled himself "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques." This title was adopted by all subsequent kings of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Rightfully so, as they have served it in all administrative, financial, service, security, and developmental aspects until today, where we have reached the pinnacle of development and precedence in all that ensures the comfort of the pilgrims.

It is the "Makkah Route," a blessed initiative that began in 2017 as a gift from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, for the pilgrims, to provide them with high-quality services from their home country until they reach Mecca, perform their rituals with ease and return with an accepted pilgrimage and appreciated effort. This initiative aims to facilitate the procedures for pilgrims coming to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, shortening long waiting times, so that travel procedures are completed before the pilgrim leaves his country. Upon arrival at the point of entry, the pilgrim heads directly to Mecca without delay or waiting, enjoying the train journey that takes him to Mecca and between the sacred sites, as well as between Mecca and Medina, with high-end service.

Saudi Arabia has long surpassed secure pilgrimage, and today experiences pilgrimage with luxury and ease. Pilgrimage has transformed from a journey of fear before the Saudi era to a joy-filled journey in the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.