More than 520 pilgrims with disabilities have successfully performed the Hajj pilgrimage this year through a groundbreaking initiative by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Now in its fifth year, the National Hajj Initiative for Persons with Disabilities continues to break barriers by providing comprehensive and accessible support tailored to the unique needs of persons with disabilities.
The initiative—expanded to all 13 regions of the Kingdom—offers a full suite of services, including accessible transportation, specialized accommodations, streamlined travel itineraries, 24-hour escort support, as well as medical and nutritional care. It is open to both men and women with various forms of disabilities, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to inclusivity in religious life.
Pilgrims have expressed deep appreciation for the care and efficiency of the program. “My Hajj journey was smoother than I could have imagined,” said Abdullah Saif Al-Qahtani, a pilgrim with a mobility disability.
Since its inception, the initiative has served nearly 2,000 beneficiaries. Its success underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goals, which prioritize quality of life and inclusive access for all citizens and residents.
“We are proud to host pilgrims with diverse needs and have mobilized all necessary resources to support them,” said Abdullah Abdulmohsin Al-Harbi, Head of the Social Responsibility and Volunteering Department at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The General Authority for Statistics reports that about 1.8% of Saudi Arabia’s population lives with some form of disability. This initiative not only ensures equitable participation in the fifth pillar of Islam but also serves as a global model for inclusive religious services.
“I sincerely thank King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for this noble support,” said Abdulaziz Al-Enezi, another pilgrim with a mobility disability.
The National Hajj Initiative for Persons with Disabilities stands as a shining example of compassion, organization, and the power of inclusive policy in religious practice.
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PWD can thrive with dignity if only the able bodies can appreciate God’s reason diversity in creation.
Christ said a man born blind from his mother’s womb was made so to glorify the work of God: John 9 1-5.
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
That’s why we coin the saying:
#YesWeCanWorkToEarnALiving
We are not raising funds!
#WeAreRatherInvitingFreeTrainers!!!
Just give us the right trainings in any job, we can adapt to make a good living with our own hands.
Let’s use the current administration for the necessary uplift! If you have any idea to make things better for PWD, please forward it through us to the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on SPECIAL PEOPLE and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Muhammed Abba Isa
+2348115807649
gaffpwd@gmail.com
Office:
Tessylokan House Animal Hospital Complex, Daodu Cottage, Olunloyo BusStop, Akanran Road, Ibadan Nigeria.