Convoys of Faith: Palestinian Pilgrims from Inside Cross Jordan Towards the Holy Lands

Every Hajj season, a special story unfolds for Palestinian pilgrims from the occupied interior, known as '48-Arabs,' as they cross Jordanian territories on their way to the Holy Lands. This scene transcends a routine religious journey, carrying deep human and national dimensions where feelings of longing for Mecca intertwine with aspects of belonging, identity, and authentic Arab embrace.\n\nWith the departure of the first convoys this year, Jordanian stations transformed into major spiritual transit points, as dozens of buses headed south, laden with faces overflowing with prayers and nostalgia. Jordanian cities welcome these pilgrims with great hospitality, as if they were family returning home after a long absence, strengthening the fraternal ties between the people of one nation.\n\nMinister of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Sites, Mohammed Al-Khalayleh, affirmed that the Kingdom annually hosts approximately 4,500 pilgrims from inside Palestine to perform rituals under the full supervision of the Ministry. He clarified that about 40 buses have already departed for the Holy Lands, while a number of pilgrims have arrived in Medina to begin their rituals.\n\nAl-Khalayleh stressed that the Ministry had completed all preparations related to housing and hotels early, in addition to securing accompanying administrative, guidance, and medical missions. He pointed out that pilgrims from the '48-Arabs' are treated exactly like Jordanian pilgrims, whether in terms of transportation, accommodation, comprehensive health care, or religious guidance.\n\nThe roots of these special arrangements date back to 1978, when an agreement was reached during the reign of King Hussein bin Talal, in coordination with Saudi Arabia, to grant '48-pilgrims' temporary Jordanian passports. This step aimed to protect their right to access the holy places and has since carried highly significant political and humanitarian dimensions.\n\nOfficial sources confirmed that the Kingdom will not abandon this historical mission of supporting the Palestinian people and facilitating their access to the holy sites. Jordanian care includes providing preaching and guidance missions, in addition to facilitating Umrah trips throughout the year under the direct supervision of the competent authorities to ensure the comfort of Umrah performers and pilgrims.\n\nIn Ma'an Governorate, southern Jordan, human warmth was embodied in its finest forms upon the reception of the first batch of pilgrims at the designated Pilgrims' Oasis. Delegations of greeters from residents and officials lined up to offer Arabic coffee and dates, amidst remarkable spiritual and popular atmospheres reflecting inherent Jordanian hospitality.\n\nMa'an Governor stated that the governorate has mobilized all its capabilities to serve the guests of the Most Gracious coming from the occupied interior, emphasizing that this reception carries great national and religious significance. He considered serving pilgrims an honor sought by the people of the governorate who are keen to establish 'Sabeel Al-Maqam' to provide food and drink for travelers.\n\nFor his part, the head of the 48-Muslims Hajj Committee, Ziad Sharbaji, explained that the procedures from departure from Palestinian territories until crossing Jordan proceeded smoothly and with high organization. He praised the spirit of cooperation shown by the Jordanian security agencies and official bodies, which positively reflected on the comfort and reassurance of the pilgrims during the journey.\n\nSharbaji pointed out the presence of internal committees and arrangements accompanying the pilgrims at all their stations, with committee officials present in Medina and Mecca to coordinate needs. He affirmed that continuous coordination with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf contributes to overcoming any obstacles that may arise, expressing hope for the continuation of these facilities during the return journey.\n\nBetween the buses heading south, the sounds of 'Talbiyah' (pilgrim's chant) blend with similar Palestinian and Jordanian accents, dissolving political borders before the unity of the human and spiritual scene. The pilgrim coming from Nazareth or Umm al-Fahm finds in Jordan a natural extension of their journey, and a safe passage that preserves their religious right despite the complexities of geography and politics.\n\nThe head of the 48-pilgrims mission, Abdul Razzaq Abu Ras, confirmed that the journey is proceeding without significant complications since leaving Palestinian territories, praising the spiritual atmosphere experienced by the pilgrims. Abu Ras appreciated the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving the guests of the Most Gracious and providing suitable conditions for performing the rituals with ease and reassurance.\n\nDespite the available facilities, official sources noted that West Bank pilgrims sometimes face complex procedures and long delays at crossings controlled by the occupation. Nevertheless, for pilgrims from inside, this journey remains greater than the hardship of the road; it is a journey of patience and faith that returns them to their Arab embrace, which opens its doors to them every year.\n\n"The Kingdom cannot abandon its mission of supporting the Palestinian people, and 48-pilgrims are treated exactly like Jordanian pilgrims.