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Middle East
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Sisi signs law regulating Islamic fatwas
CAIRO, June 10 (MENA) – President Abdel Fattah El Sisi signed Law No. 86 of 2025 to regulate the issuance of Islamic fatwas. The law defines who can issue religious rulings. General fatwas, related to public matters, may only be issued by Al-Azhar's Council of Senior Scholars, the Islamic Research Academy, or Dar El-Ifta. Private fatwas may also be issued by the Al-Azhar Global Fatwa Center, authorized joint committees, and qualified imams from the Ministry of Awqaf (Endowments). The law was published in the official gazette. (MENA) H A T/R E E
Saudi Gazette
04-06-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Over 1.5 million pilgrims converge on Mina as Hajj begins officially
Saudi Gazette report MINA — Chanting 'Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik...' ('Here I am, O God, here I am answering your call...'), more than 1.5 million pilgrims converged on Mina on Wednesday, the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the official beginning of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj. The ascent of pilgrims on the tent city was completed smoothly by Wednesday afternoon in accordance with a foolproof and flawless organizational and operational plan mapped out by the Saudi authorities. More than 1.47 million pilgrims from all around the world were joined by hundreds of thousands of domestic pilgrims in performing Hajj this year. These include 2443 pilgrims, who came from 100 countries, to perform Hajj as guests of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Those pilgrims who arrived in Makkah on Tuesday performed Tawaf Al-Qudum (Tawaf of Arrival), one of the obligatory rituals of Hajj, before heading for the vast sprawling tent city of Mina. The chanting of talbiyah reverberated the entire valley of Mina and roads and streets leading to the tent city as pilgrims streamed to the valley, praising and glorifying God, in an atmosphere of spirituality and faith. In a serene spiritual atmosphere, amidst well-organized security and integrated services, and meticulous implementation of field plans, pilgrims descended on Mina. More than 8,000 buses transported pilgrims to their camps from their accommodation in Makkah. Retracing the noble tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the pilgrims will spend throughout the day and night on the Tarwiyah Day, in Mina. The 5-6 day Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. On the first day of Hajj rituals, they are engaged in supplications and make final preparations for the Standing (wuqoof) at Arafat, the most important pillar of Hajj, marking the pinnacle of the annual pilgrimage, on Thursday. They immerse in supplications to God for their forgiveness and salvation. Pilgrims began arriving in Mina in the early hours of Wednesday. As the night wore on Tuesday, all roads and highways leading into the vast plains of Mina, located seven km northeast of the Grand Mosque, were filled with pilgrims, who made their way by vehicles or by foot to the world's largest tent city where they will camp overnight. The Saudi authorities and Hajj missions of various countries have completed elaborate preparations and foolproof arrangements that enabled the pilgrims to complete their smooth movement to the tent city of Mina. The pilgrims' movement has taken place smoothly, thanks to the vast arrangements made by the authorities. Saudi authorities have mobilized all their human and material resources to make the pilgrimage hassle-free and a great success. Artificial intelligence technology helped process the deluge of data, including video from a new fleet of drones, to better manage the massive crowds. Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and Head of the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, received those seeking religious fatwas at his residence in Mina on Wednesday. He directed the assignment of five eminent scholars to respond to the pilgrims' inquiries during the Hajj season. Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of the Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, urged pilgrims to frequently recite the Talbiyah from the time they enter in the state of ihram for Hajj until they begin stoning at Jamarat Al-Aqaba on the Day of Sacrifice, Dhul Hijjah 10. Sheikh Al-Sudais said that it is recommended to pray on time, shortening them without combining them, except for Maghrib and Fajr which should not be shortened. This year's Hajj takes place in sweltering temperatures that test the endurance of worshipers during the mostly outdoor rituals. Many pilgrims are seen carrying white umbrellas to protect themselves from the scorching sun. The Ministry of Health has issued a heat advisory for pilgrims in the wake of scorching surface temperatures, which pose a significant health risk. Following last year's lethal heat wave, authorities have mobilized more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials to improve protection. The Ministry of Health has given top priority for the prevention of heat-related illnesses. It urged pilgrims to use umbrellas, drink water regularly and wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. Pilgrims are also advised to avoid direct sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, refrain from walking on hot surfaces, and exercise caution when engaging in strenuous activities
Saudi Gazette
02-06-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Sheikh Al-Muaiqly to lead Eid prayers at Makkah Grand Mosque
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Presidency of the Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques has confirmed the appointment of Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly, imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, to lead the Eid Al-Adha prayers and deliver the sermon at the holy mosque. Eid prayers will be held at 5:52 a.m. on Friday, June 6. It is noteworthy that a group of pilgrims will flock to the Grand Mosque from the morning of the first day of Eid Al-Adha (the Day of Sacrifice) to perform the Tawaf Al-Ifadah, one of the pillars of Hajj. A royal decree has been issued recently appointing eminent Saudi scholar Sheikh Saleh Bin Humaid, imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque and member of the Council of Senior Scholars, to lead the prayer and deliver sermon on the Day of Arafat.
Observer
01-06-2025
- Observer
Omani mission participates in Haj symposium
JEDDAH: The Omani Haj mission took part in the 49th edition of the Grand Hajj Symposium, organised by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the Council of Senior Scholars and King Abdulaziz Foundation. Held under the theme "Capability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments," the event took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah. Since its inception in 1397 AH (1977), the symposium has served as a leading knowledge platform, fostering scholarly and intellectual exchange among Islamic scholars and thinkers. It focuses on the religious, cultural, and social dimensions of Hajj, highlights Saudi Arabia's achievements in serving the guests of the Most Merciful and showcases pioneering projects in the Two Holy Mosques. Additionally, it promotes intellectual dialogue to address challenges facing the Islamic world. The symposium commenced with a special meeting for heads of Hajj affairs offices from various Islamic countries, including the Omani delegation, to discuss coordination and cooperation in serving pilgrims. The opening session featured welcoming remarks, followed by the first main session, titled "Facilitating the Ritual and Empowering Pilgrims: Saudi Arabia's Vision in Serving Hajj Performers." This session highlighted the Kingdom's efforts in streamlining pilgrims' journeys — from arrival to departure — providing integrated healthcare, and ensuring their safety through security measures and regulatory permits. It also reviewed infrastructure development projects in Makkah and the holy sites. The second session, "The Concept of Capability in Islam and Its Role in Facilitating Hajj," discussed topics such as physical and financial capability (istita'ah) and the importance of educating pilgrims on its jurisprudential aspects. On the sidelines of the symposium, specialised workshops were held, with participation from the Omani Hajj mission, including sessions on healthcare services and media and awareness. These aimed to enhance service quality for pilgrims and craft a global narrative for Hajj. The event concluded with a final statement emphasising the need for stronger cooperation among Islamic nations to serve pilgrims and address contemporary challenges. — ONA
Saudi Gazette
31-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Grand Mufti: Performing Hajj without a permit is a sin
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and Head of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, stressed the need to fully adhere to the instructions issued by the relevant authorities, most notably obtaining an official permit to perform the rituals. This was delivered in a directive to Muslims wishing to perform Hajj this year. The Grand Mufti emphasized that performing Hajj without a permit constitutes a grave violation of Islamic law, as it violates the system and the public interest. He warned that violating the instructions issued by the relevant Hajj authorities constitutes a clear violation of the orders of the ruler and is contrary to the Islamic Shariah. "Anyone who performs Hajj without a permit is guilty of a religious sin, as this harms public order and undermines the objectives of Islamic law, which are aimed at preserving order, preventing chaos, and achieving the interests of the servants." The Grand Mufti also urged all pilgrims to ensure they receive the health vaccinations prescribed by the Ministry of Health, emphasizing that preventing diseases and epidemics is a religious duty and a religious responsibility, especially during a season when Muslims flock from all over the world. He emphasized the importance of full cooperation with security and health authorities and adhering to their instructions, warning that "negligence in implementing instructions may expose the pilgrim to legal accountability and undermine the purpose of Hajj, which is worship, security, and safety." He praised the great efforts made by the Saudi government, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in facilitating the performance of the rituals and providing all necessary resources to ensure the safety and security of the guests of God. Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti received fatwa seekers at the headquarters of the General Presidency of Scientific Research and Ifta in Makkah. He assigned a number of scholars and sheikhs to answer pilgrims' inquiries during the Hajj season. These scholars include Sheikh Abdulsalam Al-Sulaiman, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and member of the Permanent Committee for Ifta, at mobile number (0504222205); Sheikh Jibril Al-Basili, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and official for Ifta in the Asir Region, at mobile number (0506741787); and Sheikh Abdullah Al Tayyar, official for Ifta in the Qassim region at mobile number (0556377792). The list of scholars also includes: the Fatwa official for the Makkah region Sheikh Muhammad Bazmoul on the number (0553480005), the Fatwa official for the Jazan region Sheikh Muhammad Shaiba,on the number (0504577218), and the General Department of Fatwa's number on the WhatsApp (0535256603).
