A sophisticated robot has been introduced in the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site, in the Saudi city of Mecca, to simultaneously answer religious queries from worshippers in several languages.

Chief of the Presidency of Religious Affairs in the Two Holy Mosques, Abdulrahman Al Sudais, launched the artificial intelligence-powered machine named “Manara (Beacon) Robot” as part of the ongoing smart digital transformation, aimed at enriching the experience of pilgrims and visitors.

The presidency has focused on preparing and expanding sites designated for answering religious queries inside the Two Holy Mosques during the Islamic sacred month of Ramadan to serve millions of worshippers, according to the official.

Al Sudais described the “Manara Robot” as an AI icon. He said the machine was specially designed for the presidency to serve as a smart reference for answering Sharia-related questions through an integrated, governed database. A direct communication service with top clerics via video call is also available, should the question not be previously stored.

The robot’s design is inspired by Islamic decorations that reflect the architecture of the Two Holy Mosques.

Over the years, the method of providing answers to religious queries at Islam’s two holiest sites has evolved significantly. Traditionally, seated clerics offered fatwas, or religious edicts, directly to seekers. This service later transitioned to phone-based consultations before moving online.

Now, worshippers in the Grand Mosque can access smart robots to get immediate answers to their religious questions.

Likewise, as part of efforts to harness artificial intelligence to enrich worshippers’ experiences, Saudi authorities have already introduced a set of guidance robots to serve the faithful in different languages during Ramadan.

The lunar month, which started this year on March 1, usually marks the peak season for the Umrah or minor pilgrimage in the Grand Mosque.