Minister Belmehdi Urges Hajj Guides to Act as “True Ambassadors of Algeria”
By Dr. Hana Saada
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, a sacred pilgrimage to Makkah that every able Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime if financially and physically capable. It is a deeply structured set of rites carried out over several days, centred on devotion, equality before Almighty Allah, and spiritual renewal. Pilgrims perform key rituals including the circumambulation of the Kaaba (Tawaf), standing at Arafat (Wuquf), symbolic stoning of the pillars at Mina (Ramy al-Jamarat), and the sacrifice marking Eid al-Adha. The pilgrimage concludes with acts of repentance and purification, symbolising a return to spiritual humility.
Against this religious backdrop, Algeria’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Youcef Belmehdi, called on Hajj guides to embody the highest standards of conduct and representation.
“Be worthy ambassadors of Algeria,” he told the 204 religious guides during a training seminar held on Saturday at Dar Imam in El Mohammadia, Algiers.
The two-day programme, designed to prepare the delegation accompanying Algerian pilgrims to the Holy Sites, brings together imams, scholars and leaders of religious associations. Belmehdi said participants are expected to promote a moderate and unifying religious discourse grounded in the national religious reference framework and official fatwa guidelines.
The minister stressed that their role extends across all stages of the pilgrimage—from pre-departure guidance in mosques and airports to on-the-ground support in the Holy Sites—describing it as a responsibility that requires exemplary conduct, in line with presidential directives.
He also underscored the importance of coordination between all institutions involved in managing the pilgrimage process, framing the mission as both spiritual and organisational in nature.
The director-general of the National Office of Hajj and Umrah, Tahar Braik, said the work of the guides rests on two pillars: adherence to unified fatwa guidance issued by the national religious authority, and close engagement with pilgrims to ensure correct understanding and performance of rituals.
He added that the Hajj mission should be viewed not only as a religious duty but also as an official national responsibility requiring preparedness to manage any situation affecting pilgrims.
Speaking from the field, guide Fouzia Badri noted that the number of female guides has doubled this year to 22, reflecting increased institutional attention to the needs of female pilgrims. She added that Algerian women consistently demonstrate discipline and adherence to guidance throughout the pilgrimage.
— 𝐄𝐍𝐃 —
Dzair Tube Media Group | Record and Standing
Dzair Tube is a leading Algerian digital journalism platform, delivering high-quality content in Arabic, French, and English. With a daily readership exceeding 500,000, it has established itself among the country’s most influential media organizations.
Recognized for editorial excellence and integrity, Dzair Tube was awarded the President of the Republic’s Prize for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on 22 October 2022. The platform operates from state-of-the-art studios, producing diverse programming across news, sports, culture, entertainment, and religion.
Dzair Tube maintains a robust digital presence, with over 600,000 YouTube subscribers, six million followers across Facebook pages, and more than 70,000 Instagram followers. Its sports daily, Dzair Sport, enjoys over 50,000 daily downloads via its official website, cementing its leadership in multimedia journalism.
Further recognized with the Media Leadership Award by former Minister of Communication Mohamed Laâgab and celebrated at the Hilals of Television awards, Dzair Tube continues to set benchmarks in innovation, influence, and public engagement, serving as a key forum for civic discourse, critical analysis, and public affairs.
Official website: www.dzair-tube.dz | English: www.dzair-tube.dz/en
