In a groundbreaking move to enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims journeying to the Holy Land, the Zad service—featured prominently on the widely used #NusukApp—has continued to distinguish itself as a trusted digital companion, offering comprehensive religious guidance and knowledge resources tailored to every stage of the pilgrimage.
The service, which forms an integral part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation agenda for Hajj and Umrah operations, is designed to provide verified Islamic content that enriches the pilgrim’s understanding of rites, rituals, and etiquettes associated with the sacred journey. Developed in alignment with international best practices in digital service delivery, Zad is not just an information tool, but a knowledge-based ecosystem that helps pilgrims navigate the deeply spiritual aspects of their journey with clarity and confidence.
As millions of Muslims from across the globe prepare each year for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has committed to deploying smart technology platforms that combine convenience, safety, and religious correctness. The Nusuk App, which is the official platform for managing pilgrimage-related services in the Kingdom, has become a cornerstone of this initiative. It enables users to book permits, access maps, receive real-time updates, and, through the Zad service, learn and internalise key aspects of the pilgrimage in accordance with authentic Islamic teachings.
Zad’s content is curated and reviewed by reputable scholars, ensuring that the material presented aligns with mainstream interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence. From step-by-step explanations of the tawaf (circumambulation) and sa’i (ritual walk), to guidance on prayers, supplications, and even the etiquettes of behavior while in the sacred precincts, the service serves as a 24-hour learning companion that supports both first-time and returning pilgrims.
Digital policy analysts and religious scholars alike have lauded the innovation for its impact, noting that by reducing dependency on physical booklets or uncertain information sources, the Nusuk platform—with Zad integrated—has set a new benchmark for faith-based digital services globally. KIIN360, a regional hub for digital innovation insights, has observed that the Kingdom’s approach is influencing how religious tourism can be enhanced through smart governance and digital inclusion, especially for high-density events like Hajj.
Moreover, the accessibility of Zad in multiple languages and its user-friendly interface have made it particularly useful for pilgrims from diverse backgrounds, including those from Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. With smartphone penetration steadily increasing across the continent, many Nigerian pilgrims now rely on the app to prepare adequately before departure and to stay spiritually focused while in the Holy Land.
In a time when authenticity and accessibility of information are critical, the Zad service on the Nusuk App is setting a powerful precedent. It demonstrates how technology, when guided by purpose and respect for tradition, can play a transformative role in deepening religious experiences and preserving the sanctity of age-old rituals in a fast-changing world.