In a significant announcement marking the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance in Saudi Arabia has unveiled an ambitious set of initiatives under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Ramadan Programs for the year 1447 AH. The launch, conducted in Riyadh on Sunday by Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to promoting humanitarian outreach, religious guidance, and global Islamic solidarity.
The programs, carefully designed to encompass a wide range of religious and social services, aim to extend the Kingdom’s support to Muslim communities worldwide. Central to the initiatives are the distribution of the Holy Qur’an and its translations, as well as the provision of dates and other Ramadan-related charitable activities. According to ministry officials, a total of 2.2 million copies of the Qur’an will be disseminated this year, accompanied by translations into multiple languages to ensure accessibility for diverse Muslim populations across the globe.
In addition to the distribution of Qur’anic texts, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Gift Program for Distributing Dates has been significantly expanded. This year, 1,000 tons of dates are slated to be sent to 120 countries—a remarkable increase of 300 tons compared to the previous year. Notably, the program now reaches 18 countries for the first time, broadening the scope of Saudi humanitarian engagement.
This expansion demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to facilitating the observance of Ramadan and sharing its blessings with Muslim communities worldwide, reinforcing both cultural and spiritual ties.
The ministry has also prioritized the spiritual guidance aspect of the programs. A total of 91 qualified imams will be dispatched to 49 countries to lead prayers, deliver sermons, and provide religious instruction throughout the holy month. This deployment is intended to ensure that Muslims around the world can participate in Ramadan rituals with proper guidance, fostering a sense of global community and continuity in religious practice. The initiative highlights Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in nurturing religious knowledge and facilitating worship in accordance with authentic Islamic teachings.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh described these Ramadan initiatives as a reflection of the Kingdom’s broader humanitarian vision and its dedication to promoting Islamic values internationally. He emphasized that the programs serve as a tangible expression of Saudi leadership’s commitment to spreading goodness, moderation, and solidarity among Muslims everywhere. According to the minister, the initiatives not only provide material support but also strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the global Muslim Ummah.
The programs underscore Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role in humanitarian and religious outreach, blending logistical efficiency with spiritual objectives. Sheikh Al-Sheikh highlighted that the ministry has mobilized its human and organizational resources to guarantee that these initiatives reach beneficiaries promptly and effectively. Every aspect of the program—from the sourcing and packaging of dates to the distribution of Qur’anic copies and the coordination of imams—has been meticulously planned to ensure maximum impact and broad coverage.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Ramadan Programs are also a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing effort to project an image of responsibility, generosity, and religious stewardship on the global stage. By delivering these programs to hundreds of thousands of Muslims, the Kingdom demonstrates its dedication to humanitarian service, religious guidance, and the promotion of peace. Sheikh Al-Sheikh noted that these initiatives are integral to the Kingdom’s strategy of fostering global goodwill and reinforcing the principles of tolerance, compassion, and cooperation among Muslim nations.
The logistical scope of the programs is impressive. With 1,000 tons of dates to be distributed, meticulous planning and coordination are required to manage shipment, storage, and delivery across 120 countries. The ministry has ensured that all aspects of the distribution chain are carefully monitored, leveraging advanced systems to track shipments and coordinate with local partners to reach remote communities.
Similarly, the dissemination of 2.2 million Qur’anic texts, along with translated versions, involves detailed planning to ensure that the texts reach a wide and diverse audience. The translated editions are particularly crucial for non-Arabic-speaking Muslims, enabling them to engage meaningfully with the holy text and strengthen their religious understanding.
Beyond material and spiritual provisions, the deployment of 91 imams plays a vital role in reinforcing religious education and guidance. These imams will conduct congregational prayers, deliver sermons on ethical and spiritual themes, and offer guidance tailored to the cultural contexts of the countries they serve. Their presence ensures that Muslims in all participating countries can observe Ramadan with authentic religious direction, deepening their spiritual experience while promoting cohesion within the global Muslim community.
Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh emphasized that the programs collectively convey a message of compassion, unity, and solidarity. By addressing both physical needs, such as food provision, and spiritual needs, such as Qur’an study and prayer guidance, the initiatives integrate material assistance with religious empowerment. This holistic approach illustrates Saudi Arabia’s understanding of humanitarian outreach as encompassing both tangible and intangible support for Muslim communities worldwide.
The ministry’s efforts are closely aligned with the Kingdom’s broader commitment to humanitarian service and global leadership in Islamic affairs. Sheikh Al-Sheikh remarked that these programs exemplify Saudi Arabia’s determination to leverage its resources and expertise to benefit Muslims worldwide, strengthening international ties, fostering goodwill, and exemplifying the ethical principles of Islam in action.
The programs also highlight the importance of meticulous planning, coordination, and resource mobilization in executing large-scale international initiatives, setting benchmarks for similar humanitarian and religious programs globally.
In addition to distribution and guidance initiatives, the programs encourage local collaboration with partner organizations, mosques, and community groups. By engaging local institutions in recipient countries, the ministry ensures that the assistance is effectively utilized and that local communities are actively involved in program implementation. This approach reinforces the sustainability of the programs, encouraging communal participation and fostering a sense of ownership among beneficiaries.
The 1447 AH Ramadan Programs demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s dedication to facilitating the spiritual, cultural, and social well-being of Muslims worldwide. Through the thoughtful integration of religious guidance, Qur’anic education, and charitable distribution, the initiatives embody a comprehensive vision of humanitarian service. Sheikh Al-Sheikh concluded that the Kingdom remains steadfast in its commitment to serve Islam and Muslims globally, highlighting the essential role of moderation, tolerance, and solidarity in promoting peace, understanding, and shared prosperity.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Ramadan Programs are a testament to Saudi Arabia’s proactive engagement in international Islamic humanitarian efforts. By combining logistical precision, religious guidance, and material assistance, the Kingdom continues to set a global standard for faith-based humanitarian outreach, ensuring that the blessings of Ramadan are shared widely while strengthening the bonds of the worldwide Muslim community.
The comprehensive scale, strategic planning, and holistic vision of the programs reflect both Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the Muslim world and its enduring commitment to fostering religious, cultural, and social development in alignment with Islamic principles.