Veteran Mutawwif on serving pilgrims: ‘A privilege, not a duty'

Arab News

6 hours ago

MAKKAH: For more than 30 years, Mohammed Sabgha has witnessed the evolution of one of Islam's most sacred professions — serving as a 'Mutawwif,' or official Hajj guide, a hereditary calling that has shaped Makkah families for centuries.
The Tawafa profession is one of the oldest Hajj-related occupations, practiced exclusively by Makkah residents devoted to welcoming, hosting and guiding pilgrims through their sacred journey.
These guides coordinate every aspect of the pilgrimage — from airport reception and accommodation, to healthcare and ritual guidance — according to a Saudi Press Agency report.
Sabgha described it as a sacred inheritance: 'This work passes from fathers to sons through generations. Serving Allah's guests is a privilege, not a duty.'
Throughout his career, Sabgha has witnessed remarkable changes to Hajj, especially the rapid improvements of recent years.
'The pilgrim service system is enhanced every year — from crowd management and group coordination to medical care, ritual facilitation and overall experience,' he said.
The transformation reflects Saudi Arabia's systematic approach to service excellence. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah works with government agencies, private companies and nonprofit organizations in year-round planning cycles that begin immediately after each Hajj concludes.
'Every service is measured and evaluated. We identify areas for improvement and implement changes — all aimed at better serving pilgrims,' Sabgha said.
'The Kingdom invests enormous resources and spares no expense in fulfilling this sacred mission.'
He highlighted the Nusuk digital platform as particularly revolutionary, calling it 'the foundation stone for delivering every service pilgrims need, regardless of type.'
Among countless pilgrim encounters, one story deeply moved Sabgha. 'A few years ago, I served a man who had converted to Islam just months before his Hajj. He said his conversion was inspired by a specific Qur'anic verse.'
The pilgrim had been profoundly affected by verse 70 of Surat Al-Isra: 'And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created.'
Sabgha said: 'He reflected deeply on the verse's meaning — that Allah, the One God, honored humanity with intellect to distinguish good from evil and benefit from harm, in both worldly and spiritual matters.'