Grand Mosque Delivers Sermon in 35 Languages

Rehan Khan

Makkah: In an unprecedented move that underscores Islam’s universal message, the Grand Mosque in Makkah has taken a historic step by delivering the Friday sermon in 35 languages, marking a new chapter in global religious outreach and spiritual inclusivity.

The initiative—launched under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque—aims to bridge linguistic and cultural divides for the millions of worshippers who gather at the holiest Islamic site and tune in from across the world.

For the first time, non-Arabic-speaking Muslims were able to listen to the sacred sermon in their native tongues in real-time. From Urdu to English, Bahasa to French, the languages covered a broad spectrum of the global Muslim community—bringing the words of the khutbah closer to the hearts of worshippers like never before.

“This project is not just about translation,” said Fahim Al-Hamid, Advisor to the Presidency of Religious Affairs and General Supervisor of Media and Communication. “It is about building bridges between people, civilizations, and cultures through the universal message of Islam.”

Breaking Language Barriers

At the heart of the initiative is a desire to foster intercultural understanding and ensure that the core religious teachings of the sermon—its values, ethics, and spiritual wisdom—are not lost in translation. The project reflects the Grand Mosque’s evolving role as not only a place of worship but also a beacon of global religious leadership and communication.

The multi-language delivery system relies on a robust operational model incorporating advanced audio systems and digital platforms. These allow worshippers inside the mosque, as well as millions of remote listeners and viewers, to access the sermon in their preferred languages with accuracy and authenticity.

Al-Hamid emphasized that the move reflects Sheikh Al-Sudais’s long-term vision of inclusive spiritual engagement. “Our message is global, and therefore it must be communicated in global languages,” he said. “We want every worshipper—regardless of language—to feel spiritually connected and fully engaged during the Friday sermon.”

A Strategic Vision for Global Religious Dialogue

This translation milestone comes amid Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to position the Two Holy Mosques as epicenters of international religious dialogue, peacebuilding, and spiritual excellence. Over the years, the Kingdom has expanded the role of the mosques to promote interfaith understanding and technological innovation in religious communication.

By offering the Friday sermon in 35 languages, the Presidency of Religious Affairs has sent a powerful message: Islam is for all people, and its teachings transcend geography and language. The move was widely welcomed by global Muslim communities, many of whom see this as a step toward a more inclusive and connected ummah.

Millions around the world tuned in to the translated sermons—some from smartphones, others from radios and satellite broadcasts—signaling a new era of accessibility in Islamic outreach. Worshippers listening in their native languages for the first time expressed deep emotional responses, many calling it a “transformational spiritual experience.”

From Makkah to the World

As the voice of the Grand Mosque echoed in 35 languages for the first time, it was not just words that traveled across the globe—it was a reaffirmation of a shared faith, a diverse community, and a commitment to spiritual unity.

What began as a Friday sermon in Makkah became a global conversation—one that reminded the world of Islam’s timeless values of compassion, connection, and community.

The feature report was released by APP on July 4, 2024.