The Great Pilgrimage Symposium Launches Under the Title "Observing Legal Concessions and Adhering to Regulations in the Hajj Ritual" in Makkah
انطلاق ندوة الحج الكبرى بعنوان "مراعاة الرخص الشرعية والتقيد بالأنظمة المرعية في شعيرة الحج" بمكة المكرمة
Under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, the 48th edition of the The Great Pilgrimage Symposium kicked off today in Makkah under the title "Observing Legal Concessions and Adhering to Regulations in the Hajj Ritual." The event saw the participation of more than 500 scholars from Saudi Arabia and the Islamic world. His Excellency began the symposium with a welcoming speech, in which he praised the esteemed attendance that gathers each year through the annual The Great Pilgrimage Symposium. He highlighted the cultural and civilizational role of Saudi Arabia in serving Hajj and the pilgrims, and emphasized the importance of showcasing the major achievements, projects, and continuous developments in the Two Holy Mosques for the benefit of Muslims. He also underscored the significance of establishing a calm intellectual dialogue on issues facing the Islamic nation during the Hajj season, fostering constructive scientific communication with institutions, academic forums, and specialized researchers worldwide, and achieving greater integration, brotherhood, and familiarity among members of the Islamic nation. His Excellency spoke about the participation of high-ranking officials, scholars, and thinkers from the Islamic world in the symposium, aimed at unifying efforts and improving awareness among pilgrims about the various concessions available during Hajj. He also addressed developing operational plans to accommodate the diversity in jurisprudence and beliefs among pilgrims, making the rituals easier to perform. He praised Saudi Arabia's role under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince—may Allah protect them—in facilitating Hajj for pilgrims and providing everything necessary to ensure a safe and accepted Hajj, ensuring pilgrims' safety and security until they return to their countries. Following that, a presentation was given on the symposium's activities by the Council of Senior Scholars. Then, a speech by His Eminence the Grand Mufti, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Fahd bin Saad Al-Majed, Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars, emphasized that this blessed symposium has, throughout its history, addressed important topics related to Hajj and the broader affairs of the Islamic nation. He expressed the Council's pleasure to cooperate in executing this symposium this year, which carries the title "Observing Legal Concessions by Adhering to the Legal Regulations of the Hajj Ritual." He also noted that Saudi Arabia has overseen the Two Holy Mosques and utilized its resources to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in tranquility. Saudi Arabia has also issued multiple systems and regulations to support the pilgrims from the time of their arrival to their movements during the rituals and ultimately until their return home. He advised pilgrims through this platform to observe these regulations, stating that this is part of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him, and a demonstration of reverence for the sacredness of the holy sites, as these regulations are intended to enhance the sanctity of the ritual and facilitate the pilgrims' experience. Following that, His Excellency Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, delivered a speech on this occasion, praising the efforts of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in organizing the symposium, which has consistently evolved and contributed greatly to fulfilling the responsibility of serving the pilgrims in each of their roles. He commended the qualitative strides and the significant participation by the blessed gathering of scholars from the Islamic world. He emphasized that the Muslim World League, with its scholars and Islamic Fiqh Council, is fully prepared to contribute annually to the activities of this symposium, which has, by the grace of Allah, become an important link and a distinctive mark in the comprehensive Hajj programs. He prayed that Allah would grant success to all involved in this global scientific gathering, enriching the symposium's objectives, and fostering calm intellectual dialogue on the issues facing the Islamic nation during the Hajj season. He also stressed the importance of constructive scientific communication with institutions, academic forums, and specialized researchers globally, aiming to achieve further integration, brotherhood, and familiarity among members of the Islamic nation. Lastly, His Excellency the Minister of Hajj and Umrah honored several participants for their contributions to the success of the symposium..