Abdullah Al-Jamili

Al-Madinah

 

IN a group discussion, we talked the other day about the significance of investing in the Haj and Umrah seasons to enlighten the guests of God about the correct Islamic tenets. We agreed that text messages should be sent to the pilgrims to explain to them the correct Islam, which is far from extremism and terrorism.



We were unanimous that these messages should also depict a bright picture of our country as the host of Islam's two most sacred shrines.



We suggested using modern technology to circulate these messages in various languages and to give pilgrims a briefcase containing enlightening booklets and brochures in their languages.



I would like to add today a number of suggestions in this regard, including:

 

• There are a large number of pilgrims who cannot read or write. For this category of pilgrims we should resort to the use of the audio-visual methods.


• We can establish civilization centers and permanent exhibitions in various areas in Makkah and Madinah.


• We can make use of audiovisual techniques to conjure the real spirit of tolerance in Islam using attractive methods in various languages.


• We can use the students of the Islamic University in Madinah, hailing from 160 various countries, for translation.


• We can also launch a number of temporary TV space channels to transmit educational programs. Airtime may be rented from international TV channels to broadcast these programs.


• The Haj flights may be used to show onboard films to the pilgrims about the correct methods of performing Haj and Umrah and also on the correct concept of Islam. The time the pilgrims spend at the arrival and departure lounges at the air, sea and land inlets could also be exploited to increase their awareness.


• Out of its social responsibility, the private sector should sponsor these programs, against which it will be given free-of-charge advertisement space.
  
  
  
   

These are just simple ideas to make use of the Haj and Umrah seasons. These suggestions will remain ink on paper if they are not picked up by the concerned officials, who may execute them after adding many ideas of their own.