Scouts Rescue Lost Pilgrims in Mecca.. A Distinguished Humanitarian Initiative.

In the embrace of Mecca, where faith converges and hearts unite, the spiritual scene extends beyond the circumambulation and the striving between Safa and Marwa. Behind this immense flow of people, poignant stories unfold thanks to the young volunteers of the Saudi Arabian Scout Association, who dedicate their efforts to serving pilgrims to the Holy Kaaba.

The work of these young men has evolved beyond merely managing crowds; it has become a humanitarian mission. They act as “beacons of safety,” guiding lost pilgrims towards reassurance.

This mission manifests in moments when a pilgrim or Umrah performer loses their way amidst the throngs and feels alone despite the vastness of the space. Scout leader Hashim Katabi was not simply carrying out a field assignment, but monitored the faces of those passing by with the anxious eye of a father. He noticed an elderly female pilgrim who appeared lost and exhausted, her downcast gaze revealing a painful story of separation.

It turned out that the obstacle wasn't just the crowds, but her lack of any identification or means of communication. The pilgrim had no identification card, mobile phone, or even the phone number of another pilgrim, exacerbating her feelings of helplessness.

Hashim didn't see this as merely an administrative procedure, but as a mother appealing for help with her heart. He sat with her calmly, reassured her with kind words, and elicited a simple description of where she had been before being caught in the crowds.

With determination, Hashim embarked on a strenuous search, protecting the pilgrim from the surge of crowds and comforting her, until familiar faces appeared on the horizon and tears of fear turned into expressions of gratitude.

These humanitarian moments within the Grand Mosque prove that scouting in the Kingdom has transcended traditional volunteering, becoming a model of humanitarian giving. The “Scout uniform” is not just clothing, but a symbol of safety, and the greatest achievements are not those recorded by cameras, but those that remain in the memory of the pilgrim who found their way back, or the Umrah performer who felt secure. They affirm that serving the guests of God is the highest honour, reinforcing the values of initiative and sincerity in the hearts of the nation’s youth.