appel à sensibiliser les pèlerins aux règles à respecter dans l’accomplissement des rites du hadj
Summary of the 49th Hajj Symposium in Jeddah
The 49th edition of the grand symposium on Hajj took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, focusing on "Capacity to Perform Hajj and Contemporary Developments." The event brought together a diverse delegation, including Algeria’s Minister of Religious Affairs Youcef Belmehdi, scholars, researchers, and specialists from various Islamic countries.
Key Recommendations:
The symposium concluded with important recommendations aimed at educating pilgrims about the rules and regulations governing the performance of Hajj rituals. Participants emphasized the crucial role of universities and specialized institutes in advancing research related to the religious capacity (Istitaa) necessary for undertaking the pilgrimage.
Religious Capacity and Regulations:
The regulations implemented by Saudi Arabia are intended to ensure that pilgrims meet all required conditions for fulfilling this essential Islamic duty. According to the Saudi Council of Senior Scholars, non-compliance with these regulations can lead to complications for pilgrims and diminish service quality. Significantly, individuals with illnesses that could jeopardize the health of others, particularly during epidemics, are deemed unfit for Hajj. The symposium also addressed alternative accommodations for those unable to perform certain rituals due to physical limitations, such as allowing representatives to carry out rites on their behalf.
Moreover, it was noted that Muslims who incur debts to perform Hajj, without the means to repay, are considered religiously unfit for the pilgrimage.
Innovative Initiatives:
The symposium praised the "Route to Mecca" initiative, aimed at enhancing the quality of services and comfort for pilgrims. The digital platform "Nusuk" was highlighted as a significant tool for facilitating Hajj.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfik Al Rabiah, reported that preparations for the current Hajj season reached over 97% completion, a marked improvement from the previous year’s 81%. This suggests a more organized and well-prepared pilgrimage, underpinned by advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Preparations and International Collaboration:
Multiple meetings were held in participating countries, including Algeria, to outline arrangements for welcoming over 1.7 million pilgrims, with around 43,000 from Algeria. Minister Belmehdi led a substantial Algerian delegation, which included key figures from the Algerian Hajj Mission and the Consul General in Jeddah.
During the symposium, Algeria participated in workshops focusing on information and health under the theme "Facilitation and Capacity." These sessions included discussions on regulations, health oversight for pilgrims, and the pivotal role of current health conditions in determining pilgrims’ capacities.
Conclusion:
The symposium underscored the need for ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Islamic countries to enhance the pilgrimage experience and ensure the well-being of all participants. Through collective efforts and planning, the Hajj can continue to represent a time of spiritual renewal and commitment for millions of Muslims worldwide.
