MECCA: Saudi Arabia will broadcast its Arafat Sermon in real-time in 34 languages this year in an effort to reach all pilgrims.
This marks the first time Saudi authorities have undertaken such an effort to ensure that pilgrims from around the world can understand the Arafat Sermon, which is delivered in Arabic.
The Arafat Sermon, delivered on the Day of Arafah, is a key ritual of the haj and is widely followed by Muslims worldwide.
More than two million pilgrims from all over the world will be on the plains of Mount Arafat on June 5, to perform Day of Arafah, supplicating and praying.
In an announcement, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said it has completed preparations for the Arafat sermon translation project.
The Arafat Sermon this year will be delivered by the Grand Imam of the Holy Mosques Sheikh Saleh al Humaid from Masjid Namirah.
The project aims to convey Islam’s message of tolerance to a global audience in their native languages, fostering better communication between Muslims and non-Muslims.
"It also underscores the Kingdom’s pivotal role in serving the two holy mosques and its unwavering commitment to supporting pilgrims worldwide.
"The project aims to provide real-time translation of the Arafah sermon in more than 34 languages, making it one of the largest initiatives of the haj season," said the authority.
A key feature of the project is the integration of Quick Response (QR) codes, which offer easy access to both textual and audio translations.
The 34 languages in which the Arafat Sermon will be broadcast in are: Arabic, Urdu, English, French, Indonesian, Persian (Farsi), Hausa, Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, Bengali, Turkish, Malay (Bahasa Melayu), Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Filipino (Tagalog), Amharic (Ethiopia), Bosnian, Hindi, Dutch, Thai, Malayalam, Swahili, Pashto, Tamil, Azerbaijani, Swedish, Uzbek, Albanian, Fulani (Fula), Somali, Rohingya and Yoruba.
This will enable pilgrims to listen to the sermon in their respective languages, regardless of their location, from anywhere in the world.
"To expand the reach and amplify the impact of the service, QR codes have been displayed on screens in key facilities, buses, and pilgrim accommodations," it added.
Additionally, the service has been promoted through various government media platforms and shared with international media in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Media.
The Saudi Royal Court had earlier announced that Youm ul Hajj or Arafat Day this year will be observed on Thursday (June 5).
As of May 31, more than 1.3 million foreigners are in Mecca to perform the haj.
