Umm Al-Qura University
His Excellency the UQU President, Prof. Abdullah Bafail, today launched the first documentary that the university, represented by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, has released, entitled: "Journey of the Rituals". The documentary was launched in a virtual ceremony attended by the Dean of the Institute, Dr. Basim Qadi.
Dr. Basim Qadi stated, "The film highlights the efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve the guests of Al-Rahman. It presents the supreme objectives of Hajj as the greatest global event and human gathering ever manifested with regard to the organizational aspects and the management of crowds." He noted that the film monitors the movements of pilgrims and records their spiritual feelings as they move from one ritual to another while performing the Hajj rites. Dr. Qadi stressed that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research has been serving the guests of Al-Rahman for 40 years, promoted by the belief in its mission and focusing on one primary goal: to be the leading consultative reference for research and applications related to Hajj, Umrah and visits to the Prophet's Mosque. He added that the film is considered a qualitative research supported by international cinematic technology.
Dr. Qadi observed that the film is in line with the aspirations of the Saudi Kingdom's Vision 2030 in that it contributes to achieving the third goal of the program, "Serving the Guests of Al-Rahman", by enriching the religious and cultural experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. This is achieved in a context that highly appreciates the value of this great journey to the Two Holy Mosques and the sacred places as well as the Muslims' eagerness and zeal to perform the journey they regard as a 'lifetime journey'. He explained that the documentary “Journey of the Rituals” is a spiritual narration of the six-day event, starting from the seventh day of Dhul-Hijjah and concluding on the twelfth. It takes into account the supreme objectives of Hajj and its great principles.
On his part, the official spokesman of Umm Al-Qura University and the Head of the Department of Research and Media Affairs at the institute, Dr. Uthman Qazzaz, stated that the film comes as a prelude to other cinematic works related to Hajj and Umrah with an innovative vision.
He added that the film was produced in two versions: Arabic and English, and lasts for 12 minutes. A short version of the film was produced, he continued, highlighting the services provided by the authorities and organizational sectors to manage the services provided to the pilgrims of Allah's Sacred House during this great season of worship.
To watch the documentary:
