Grand Hajj Symposium Explores Capability, Ease in Performing Rituals

Asharq Al-Awsat

2 days ago

Saudi Arabia is leveraging artificial intelligence and digital technologies to enhance the Hajj experience, aiming to ensure safety, ease, and comfort for pilgrims, the Kingdom's Minister of Hajj and Umrah said on Sunday.
Speaking at the opening of the 49th annual Grand Hajj Symposium in Jeddah, Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said the Kingdom's efforts reflect the leadership's commitment to providing a secure and seamless pilgrimage.
He praised the high level of coordination among various agencies, describing it as a testament to Saudi Arabia's dedication to serving pilgrims.
'This year's symposium, held under the theme 'Capability for Hajj and Contemporary Developments,' highlights the balance between the core principles of Islamic jurisprudence and the evolving realities of the modern world,' Al-Rabiah said.
During the event, Prince Faisal bin Salman, Chairman of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), announced the launch of a new forum on the history of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative is being organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia's efforts to serve pilgrims reflect a bold national vision to elevate the spiritual journey.
The Kingdom's major expansion projects and innovative initiatives have allowed millions of Muslims to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind, he noted.
Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, emphasized that Islamic rulings on the Hajj pilgrimage are rooted in ease and accessibility, highlighting that physical and financial ability are key conditions for undertaking the journey.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Fahd Al-Majid, Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars, at the symposium, the Grand Mufti said the obligation of Hajj is tied not only to physical and financial capability, but also to obtaining an official Hajj permit.
'Those unable to secure a Hajj permit are considered among those who are not able to perform Hajj, even if they meet the physical and financial requirements,' he said.
Al-Sheikh underscored the importance of educating pilgrims on the jurisprudence of istita'ah, or capability, saying it helps safeguard lives and ensures a smoother pilgrimage experience. 'While Hajj involves a degree of hardship, it does not exceed normal bounds nor cause undue distress,' he added.
He praised the Saudi leadership for its continued efforts in serving Muslims and facilitating access to the Two Holy Mosques.
'Since God entrusted Saudi Arabia with the care of the holy sites, the Kingdom has spared no effort in making Hajj easier for Muslims around the world,' he said.
Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel said on Sunday that health readiness is a crucial component of the broader concept of istita'ah, or capability, for performing Hajj, underscoring the Kingdom's integrated approach to safeguarding pilgrims' well-being.
Also speaking at the symposium, Al-Jalajel said the Saudi health system works closely with partners to ensure that health standards are met ahead of the pilgrimage season.
'Every year, we conduct a global assessment of environmental and epidemiological risks to determine health capability thresholds and protect pilgrims from potential threats,' he said.
Al-Jalajel cited the Kingdom's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as a model of responsible health management, noting that Saudi authorities implemented precise and cautious measures to safely hold Hajj during the global crisis.
The minister said Saudi Arabia continues to adapt to evolving conditions by enhancing its health infrastructure and medical protocols in the holy sites. These efforts include expanding heat-mitigation systems, improving medical preparedness, and building a 200-bed field hospital within 30 days to address the risk of heatstroke.
He added that hospital bed capacity had been increased by 60%, while the speed of pharmaceutical deliveries to hospitals in the holy sites had been drastically improved through drone technology. 'Delivery times for medications in the holy sites have been cut from 90 minutes to just six,' Al-Jalajel said.
Saudi Arabia's Public Security Director, Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, said on Sunday that the Hajj permit system plays a vital role in ensuring equal opportunity for pilgrims to perform the ritual in a safe and orderly environment.
Al-Bassami emphasized that the Kingdom's security forces will continue to crack down on violators and those who aid them, as part of efforts to protect the sanctity and safety of the pilgrimage.
Strict security measures are essential to safeguarding pilgrims. Ensuring their safety is one of the Kingdom's top priorities for a successful Hajj season, he said.
Al-Bassami reaffirmed the position of the Council of Senior Scholars, which views obtaining a Hajj permit as part of the Islamic requirement of istita'ah (capability), as it serves the public interest and prevents harm.
With over 1.6 million pilgrims expected this year, he stressed the importance of organized crowd control to prevent congestion and accidents.
Reducing the number of unauthorized pilgrims contributes to public health, facilitates movement, and helps prevent loss of life, Al-Bassami affirmed.