Makkah, November 23: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership are keen to provide first class services to pilgrims to allow them to perform the fifth pillar of Islam with ease, comfort and security, said Haj Minister Fouad Al-Farsy at the opening of a three-day annual Haj symposium here on Sunday.
“The Kingdom, which Almighty Allah has honored by making the host of Islam’s two holiest shrines, is keen to provide pilgrims with the best of services from their arrival until their departure to their respective homes,” said Al-Farsy at the Haj symposium which was held under the slogan: “Safety in Haj.” The minister pointed out that the continued expansions of the Two Holy Mosques, and the development projects in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites are all being undertaken for the welfare of pilgrims and visitors.
He said the services extended to pilgrims are organized by the Supreme Haj Committee and are the result of well-researched plans and programs to which all concerned government organs have contributed.
A number of Muslim scholars, thinkers and authors are participating in the symposium to exchange views on ways of ensuring pilgrims have a safe Haj. They will also consider methods of enlightening pilgrims on the facilities available to them. Hisham ibn Abdullah Al-Abbas, secretary-general of the symposium, who is also an adviser at the Ministry of Haj, said the symposium’s topic was chosen due to its importance in spreading the spirit of cooperation among pilgrims and in enabling them to perform Haj rites in safety and comfort.
He said the symposium is aimed at enlightening pilgrims about keeping themselves safe until they return home. “It will also highlight the concept of cooperation in goodness and piety,” he added.
In a speech at the symposium, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh said Islam forbids bloodshed of any kind in Makkah and the holy sites. “Our Prophet (peace be upon him) has banned the carrying of arms inside the Grand Mosque for the safety of pilgrims,” he said. “The safety of a man’s life, his properties and honor are Islamic duties that everyone should observe,” he added. The mufti also said serving pilgrims and ensuring their safety to enable them to perform their rites in peace and comfort are duties incumbent on all Muslims in the Kingdom.
He asked pilgrims to honor the spirit of cooperation in piety and good deeds, and described the Haj as an international conference in which Muslims participate to exchange views and develop friendships. The grand mufti also criticized people who violate the Kingdom’s Haj regulations.
-----Agencies
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