MAKKAH: The 48th Grand Hajj Symposium, organised by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, addressed various fiqh principles concerning Haj.
Fiqh refers to the understanding and interpretation of Islamic jurisprudence.
This year's theme, "Adhering to Shariah Compliance and Approved Protocols," was the focus of discussions.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, along with officials from Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), participated in the symposium.
Mohd Na'im said they intended to discuss many issues at the national level upon their return to Malaysia.
The main objective of the symposium is to update ministers from different countries on the efforts made by the Saudi Arabian Ministry to ensure the welfare of all Hajj pilgrims, he said.
Also present were TH chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain; managing director and chief executive officer, Syed Hamadah Syed Othman; as well as the Malaysian Haj pilgrimage head, Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman.
The event, led by Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, was attended by over 500 scholars and thinkers from the Islamic world.
Last year, Malaysia, through TH, was invited to present works on the management of Malaysian Haj.
This year, some issues regarding fatwas and fiqh principles were discussed as the organisers invited Egyptian Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Sheikh Shuaki, and the president of religious affairs of the two holy mosques and Masjid Nabawi, Sheikh Dr Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Al-Sudais.
Mohd Na'im said that TH and his ministry will review all proposals and fatwas made by the Saudi Arabian government, which will be discussed.
He said any beneficial initiatives would be implemented for the welfare of Malaysian Haj pilgrims.
The symposium will explore how the Saudi Arabian government's culture and civilisation serve pilgrims at the important sites of Masjidil Haram and Masjid Nabawi.
Its goal is to foster dialogue on current Islamic community issues during the Haj season, encourage scientific exchange with global institutions and researchers, and enhance unity among Muslims.
In a related development, Sheikh Dr Abdulrahman Al-Sudais said the "No Hajj Without Permit" campaign was launched to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims, urging all parties to support and cooperate with the security agencies implementing it.
He added that performing Haj without a permit violates rules and directives made for the public interest and all pilgrims must adhere to these regulations.
Abdulrahman also said it is important to comply with Haj instructions and obtain permits beforehand, while emphasising that this step ensures the safety and comfort of pilgrims.
ENDS//