MAKKAH: Volunteers in Makkah devote themselves every year to serving pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan.
Among them are doctors, university professors, teachers, students, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, all driven by a shared commitment to providing comfort, care, and reassurance to the pilgrims.
The volunteers display unwavering dedication and generosity, preparing for their tasks well in advance of the holy month.
This service is a heartfelt act of devotion to them, a profound expression of love for serving the guests of God, and a noble mission that embodies the essence of human and Islamic values. They see it as a path to faith and charity in the holiest place on Earth.
Numerous charitable organizations and volunteers begin their efforts early in Makkah’s central area and the corridors of the Grand Mosque, where touching humanitarian moments unfold, showcasing an exceptional model of generosity and dedication.
Mohammed Al-Yousfi, a student at Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, shared with Arab News his experience as a young volunteer.
He said that serving Zamzam water to pilgrims was “a profound expression of devotion and a deeply rewarding experience that enables pilgrims to perform their worship with ease.”
He added: “Every volunteer considers it an honor to serve, recognizing the lasting impact that their efforts leave on the hearts of pilgrims.”
Saudi men offer pilgrims Zamzam water upon their arrival in the holy city of Mecca on August 7, 2019, ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (AFP)
Maha Al-Sharif, leader of the volunteer team Ruoh Makkah (Spirit of Makkah), described volunteering in Makkah as both an honor and a deeply rewarding experience.
She said: “Volunteers work with a unified vision and shared purpose — to serve the guests of God — rooted in the humanitarian principles of volunteerism and the pursuit of social good.”
She highlighted the profound sense of fulfillment and joy that comes from this noble mission, which includes welcoming pilgrims, guiding them, offering Zamzam water, and distributing gifts.
She added: “Volunteers from all walks of life — including doctors, engineers, and healthcare professionals — selflessly dedicate their time, setting aside their professional roles to earn the honor of serving the guests of God.”
She said that many volunteers are fluent in languages such as Urdu, English, Turkish, and French, allowing them to engage with pilgrims, understand their needs, and provide personalized assistance.
Al-Sharif added: “Volunteer work deepens the sense of belonging to society, nurtures humanitarian values, and cultivates an atmosphere of participation and tolerance.
“It also instills in young people a profound appreciation for service, reinforcing the importance of contributing to nation-building while honoring and assisting visitors.”
Ehsan Hawsawi, a volunteer with the Lajlk Ya Watan (For You, My Homeland) team, stressed that volunteer work reflects the highest ideals of generosity and solidarity, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
She noted the importance of embracing innovation and diversity in volunteer efforts, expanding their scope to encompass religious, cultural, social, health, and tourism-related initiatives.
Abeer Fakira, leader of the Hur Makkah volunteer team, affirmed that generosity and giving continue to thrive. She spoke about how human beings are inherently social and flourish within communities built on cooperation and shared kindness.
She said: “Volunteer work at the Grand Mosque is an example of generosity and community service, reflecting the profound humanitarian values deeply embedded in Saudi society.”
As all these efforts demonstrate, male and female volunteers continue to embody the spirit of dedication and selflessness, carrying a message of love and peace to visitors.
