King Salman to host 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims for free Hajj journey
Initiative reflects commitment to supporting Palestinians and strengthening Islamic unity
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has issued a directive to host 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims from the families of martyrs, prisoners, and the wounded to perform Hajj in 2025 at his personal expense. This initiative is part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, overseen by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance. The program aims to facilitate a spiritually fulfilling experience for the pilgrims while strengthening Islamic unity and supporting the Palestinian people during challenging times.
Sheikh Abdullatif Al Sheikh, the Minister of Islamic Affairs and supervisor of the program, expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing the gesture as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause and Islamic solidarity. A comprehensive logistical plan has been activated to support the pilgrims’ journey, covering their travel, stay in Makkah and Madinah, and return. The plan includes faith-based, cultural, and educational programs, such as visits to key Islamic and historical landmarks and meetings with prominent scholars and imams of the Two Holy Mosques.
The initiative has been widely praised. Senior journalist Tahir Khan called it a “positive and timely gesture,” noting its significance in providing spiritual comfort to Palestinian families affected by ongoing conflicts. Since its inception in 1417 AH (1996), the program has hosted approximately 65,000 pilgrims from 140 countries, offering logistical, religious, health, and cultural services.
This move comes amidst Saudi Arabia’s broader preparations for Hajj 2025, set to begin on June 4, with over 1.07 million pilgrims already in the Kingdom. The country has implemented advanced digital systems, eco-conscious infrastructure, and stringent measures to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage, including crackdowns on unauthorized pilgrims following the tragic loss of over 1,300 lives due to extreme heat in 2024.
Sources:
• www.siasat.com, May 24, 2025
• www.arabnews.com, May 23, 2025
• gulfnews.com, May 20, 2025
• www.nation.com.pk, May 19, 2025
• www.siasat.com, May 19, 2025
• @insharifain, May 19, 2025
• @S2FUncensored, May 19, 2025
• @NTANewsNow, May 19, 2025