Latest news with #49thGrandHajjSymposium
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Pilgrims urged to remain within their camps from 10 am to 4 pm to prevent heat exhaustion
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah urged pilgrims to remain within their designated camps from 10 am to 4 pm to prevent heat exhaustion, citing the high temperatures expected on the Day of Arafat. He warned that random group walking poses a significant threat to the flow of crowds and the safety of pilgrims. The minister made the remarks during a meeting with heads of Hajj missions from various countries, held on the sidelines of the 49th Grand Hajj Symposium, which concluded in Jeddah on Sunday. Al-Rabiah directed the Hajj affairs offices to strictly follow regulations with regard to the movement of pilgrims within the holy sites, emphasizing pilgrims' safety and optimal ritual performance. The minister emphasized the importance of using designated transportation from Arafat to Muzdalifah rather than walking. He stressed that dispatch and transport plans are essential for organizing crowd movement and guaranteeing safety, deeming adherence a collective responsibility. Al-Rabiah underscored the pivotal role of the Nusuk card, mandating its use for accessing the Grand Mosque, holy sites, or public transportation. He affirmed the card is now a key regulatory tool for performing rituals and preventing violations. The minister said that this year will see a significant intensification of Hajj permit verification to ensure pilgrim safety and a complete Hajj experience, all within meticulous organization befitting the sanctity and grandeur of the occasion.
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Grand Hajj Symposium kicks off in Jeddah
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The 49th Grand Hajj Symposium kicked off in Jeddah on Sunday under the theme 'Capability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments.' Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Council of Senior Scholars and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, the symposium brought together a distinguished group of scholars and researchers from across the Islamic world. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah inaugurated the event, describing the symposium as an Islamic intellectual platform that unites prominent thinkers and scholars to highlight the significance of this great pillar of Islam and to reinforce its religious and cultural dimensions. Dr. Al-Rabiah noted that this year has witnessed the launch of several programs and initiatives, including infrastructure projects sponsored by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites. These include 170,000 square meters of shaded areas, the planting of 20,000 trees, and the construction of rubber walkways to improve pilgrims' comfort and safety. Addressing healthcare readiness, the minister cited the establishment of a new emergency hospital, 15 ambulance units, 71 rapid intervention points, and 64 two-story health complexes. He also announced the inauguration of the General Transport Center as an institutional model for managing transportation in Makkah and the holy sites. The plan integrates buses and the Haraman High-Speed Railway into a flexible and efficient system. Dr. Al-Rabiah added that the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has finalized its preparations through an advanced operational package. This includes upgrades to audiovisual equipment, the development of childcare centers, and services designed to meet the diverse needs of pilgrims and ensure enhanced services. Special Advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) Prince Faisal bin Salman also addressed the gathering. He emphasized the Kingdom's longstanding commitment to the Two Holy Mosques and Hajj since the unification of Saudi Arabia by the late King Abdul Aziz. He noted that serving the pilgrims has always been a sacred honor, a national duty, and a historical responsibility passed down through generations of Saudi leadership, with citizens proud to contribute to this mission. Prince Faisal highlighted the major infrastructure developments and humanitarian services now accompanying pilgrims from their arrival to their departure. He also announced the launch of the Hajj and Two Holy Mosques History Forum, organized by the King Abdulaziz Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The forum is designed to serve as a scientific and cultural platform that promotes the rich heritage of the Two Holy Mosques and encourages global scholarly exchange and research. Saudi Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, and President of the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh addressed the symposium through remarks delivered on his behalf by Secretary General of the Council of Senior Scholars Sheikh. Fahd Al-Majed. He noted that this blessed symposium, launched more than four decades ago, has explored vital topics concerning Hajj and broader Islamic affairs. Sheikh Abdul Aziz emphasized that this year's theme, focusing on the concept of 'Capability' in Islamic jurisprudence, addresses its practical and legal implications in light of contemporary developments. The discussions aimed to facilitate the performance of Hajj and uphold the objectives of Islamic law through scholarly dialogue and thoughtful interpretation.
