| Arabic | مؤسسة الطوافة |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | mu-AS-sa-sat at-ta-WAA-fah |
| Etymology | From Arabic مؤسسة (mu'assasah, 'establishment/institution') and طوافة (الطوافah, 'the practice of guiding الحجاج in الطواف'). The root ط-و-ف relates to circumambulation and الحج guidance. |
الطوافa Establishment(مؤسسة الطوافة) Saudi government-licensed organizations that serve as the official host bodies for international الحج الحجاج, organized by nationality or geographic region. They manage accommodation, transport, guides, and services for their assigned الحاج groups.
مؤسسة الطوافة
The الطوافa system evolved from the historical tradition of Makkan families hosting الحجاج from specific regions. In the modern era, the Saudi government formalized this into institutional establishments. The main الطوافa Establishments include: the National الطوافa Establishment for Pilgrims of South Asia, the National الطوافa Establishment for Pilgrims of Southeast Asia, the National الطوافa Establishment for Pilgrims of Arab Countries, the National الطوافa Establishment for Pilgrims of African non-Arab Countries, the National الطوافa Establishment for Pilgrims of Turkey and Muslims of Europe/Americas/Australia, and the National الطوافa Establishment for Pilgrims of Iran. Each establishment employs mutawwifs (guides) who speak the relevant languages and understand the cultural contexts of their الحجاج. The establishments coordinate with the Ministry of الحج, الحج operators from sending countries, and local service providers in مكة to ensure a smooth الحج experience.
From Arabic مؤسسة (mu'assasah, 'establishment/institution') and طوافة (الطوافah, 'the practice of guiding الحجاج in الطواف'). The root ط-و-ف relates to circumambulation and الحج guidance.