In a remarkable show of solidarity and compassion, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has approved a humanitarian initiative to host 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims, comprising relatives of martyrs, prisoners, and the wounded from the Gaza Strip, for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, corresponding to the Islamic year 1446 AH. This generous act is being fully funded by the King from his personal resources, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Palestinian people and the broader Islamic Ummah.
The development was confirmed through an official statement shared on social media by Inside The Haramain, a reputable platform that reports on events in the Islamic holy cities. The statement read that King Salman had issued a royal directive for the special Hajj sponsorship programme, which will benefit both male and female pilgrims who have suffered immense losses as a result of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These include the families of those who have been martyred, those currently detained in Israeli prisons, and individuals who have sustained life-altering injuries during the hostilities.
The initiative is part of the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Programme for Hajj and Umrah, which falls under the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. Since its inception, the programme has facilitated the pilgrimage of tens of thousands of Muslims from different parts of the world, particularly those facing extraordinary hardships or financial constraints. However, this year’s edition takes on a more poignant significance given the recent intensification of violence in Gaza, where over 35,000 Palestinians, including thousands of women and children, have lost their lives since the latest conflict began in 2023.
Nigeria and many other countries across Africa and the Muslim world have commended Saudi Arabia’s continued humanitarian support to Palestine. The Kingdom has historically positioned itself as a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, both politically and spiritually. This latest gesture is seen not only as an act of religious generosity but also as a strategic reaffirmation of Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with the people of Gaza, particularly in their moment of great need.
For the selected 1,000 pilgrims, this opportunity goes beyond spiritual fulfillment. It offers a moment of peace, healing, and recognition amid unimaginable suffering. With the Hajj pilgrimage being one of the five pillars of Islam and a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able, King Salman’s gesture removes a major barrier for many who would otherwise be unable to fulfill this sacred duty.
As preparations for the 2025 Hajj continue, this act of royal generosity stands out as a beacon of hope, unity, and compassion, values that resonate deeply across the Muslim world.
