An interactive website and millions of copies of printed and electronic material are part of a massive information campaign launched by the government this year to help pilgrims perform Haj. Dr. Abdulrahman Suliman Al-Madroudi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, told Saudi Gazette recently that the website is a new feature this year. He added that 15 million copies of brochures, pamphlets and compact discs will be distributed. He said all questions asked by pilgrims on the website will be answered by experts and scholars. “We launched this web presence to provide visitors with the latest fatwas and replies to any questions they may have regarding Haj procedures,” said Al-Madroudi. The website was set up on the recommendation of Sheikh Saleh Bin Abdulaziz Aal Al-Sheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, who wants all Haj information to be supported by accurate examples from the Sunna and Qur'an. “We are cooperating with a number of experts and academics who will be in charge of replying quickly to questions,” said Al-Madroudi. Al-Madroudi said the information campaign was launched after a survey was conducted. “We always start preparations for the Haj season by having a survey among citizens asking them what information they need,” said Al-Madroudi. The information campaign is divided into three stages. “The first stage is distributing the brochures at air and sea ports to make sure that all the pilgrims get copies. The second stage is distributing copies at the holy sites, especially Mina. Finally, at the deportation departments, we present royal gifts for the pilgrims from King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.” The printed material include flyers, books, pamphlets, brochures and CDs. Much of the electronic material will be in 24 languages. A total of 13 employees from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs will distribute the copies at the ports and holy sites, said Al-Madroudi. The address of the website is: www.al
