Yes, the organization tells every pilgrim: "Smile, you are in the holy city of Makkah."
As the number of pilgrims coming to the Kingdom swells year after year, it would be impossible for the government to please every one of them, despite its efforts to enhance their welfare and prosperity by carrying out giant projects spending billions of riyals. It is here that the important public relation role is being played by Haji & Mu'tamir's Gift.
"Ours is a message of love and peace from the people of Saudi Arabia, which is honored to serve the guests of God," said Sheikh Mansour Al-Aamir, director general of the organization with a broad smile. His charity, which is registered with the Ministry of Social Affairs, does a variety of activities for the welfare and well being of pilgrims in the Kingdom. “We welcome them on arrival in Makkah, give them religious education, answer their questions related to Haj rituals, provide health services and meals, distribute gifts and meet their specific needs," the director general said and thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for his support.
The society serves more than five million Haj and Umrah pilgrims annually by carrying out 21 different programs. Thousands of Hajis have made use of its free massage chair services in Makkah and Madinah.
"We want to provide qualitative and distinctive services to the guests of God, seeking reward from the Almighty, in order to uphold the image of Islam and highlight the spirit of Islamic solidarity and brotherhood."
Serving pilgrims has been an age-old tradition of the residents of Makkah and the charity brightens it.
Al-Aamir believes that his organization’s activities would leave a lasting good impression in the minds of pilgrims about Saudi Arabia and its people. “We would like to extend all possible services to make our pilgrims happy and make their stay in the Kingdom comfortable,” he said and spoke about various problems a pilgrim faces at the time of arrival. “If we give them proper direction and guidance it can make their life easy.”
He added: “Our officials also meet with pilgrims at the time of departure to say good bye, request them to forgive our mistakes, if any, tell them that ‘may Allah accept your Haj and prayers’ and wish them a safe journey.”
He said his organization is ready to extend its assistance at times of crises such as overcrowding of pilgrims at airports due to flight delays. “We want to be part of every good things a Haji want to see. We serve them in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites and we are happy to work as a link between the pilgrim and government authorities.”
Al-Aamir said his organization was successful in changing some of the negative practices of pilgrims through advice. “We extend 17 million services annually and our services are available throughout the year,” he added.
