MAKKAH: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, participated in a daylong annual symposium organized by Saudi Arabia on Monday, which focused on the Kingdom’s extensive preparations for Hajj.
The event, titled “No Hajj without permission,” marked the 48th Grand Hajj Symposium held by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and drew ministers and religious scholars from various countries.
The symposium served as a primary platform for intellectual leadership and knowledge exchange, aimed at deepening the understanding and appreciation of the spiritual, cultural, and social dimensions of the Hajj rituals.
Discussions highlighted the Kingdom’s significant achievements in facilitating the pilgrimage, including pioneering projects at the two Holy Mosques.
The event emphasised the cultural and civilisational roles undertaken by Saudi Arabia in serving the pilgrims and reinforcing peaceful intellectual dialogue on matters related to the Hajj season.
It also sought to establish unified principles of collective action for the Islamic world in addressing doubts concerning faith, nation, and culture.
Further, the symposium focused on fostering constructive communication with various institutions, scientific forums, and specialised researchers globally.
Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah, opened the symposium with a speech outlining its objectives and the steps taken by the Kingdom to ensure a smooth and safe Hajj operation.
Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Fahad Al-Majid, spoke on behalf of the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Mohammed Alissa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, lauded the Saudi government’s efforts in enhancing the comfort and experience of pilgrims.
The symposium also featured panel discussions on topics like “Legal and Jurisprudential Dispensation in Hajj,” “Facilitation and Alleviation of Hardships in Islamic Laws,” and “Concessions in Rites of Hajj and Their Impact on Facilitating the Rituals.”
