Al-Sudais's directives: To venerate the Sacred House and maintain its security during Hajj

Introduction: Preparing for the Hajj season and guidance from the religious leadership

As part of the intensive preparations for the Hajj season, the Head of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, presented a set of guiding and religious directives to all Muslims, visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, and pilgrims. These directives emphasize the firmly established Islamic principle of venerating the Sacred House(the Kaaba), which is manifested not only in performing acts of worship but also in maintaining its security and respecting its regulations and instructions, thus contributing to the performance of the rituals with ease, safety, and tranquility.

Historical context: The Kingdom's ongoing care for the pilgrims

Historically, since the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the wise leadership has considered serving the Two Holy Mosques a paramount priority. Mecca and Medina have witnessed the largest expansions in Islamic history, accompanied by tremendous development in infrastructure and logistical services. In this context, the role of the General Presidency for Religious Affairs is crucial in enriching the spiritual experience of pilgrims and ensuring that the rituals are performed according to the correct Prophetic guidance, free from any transgressions that might mar this great pilgrimage, to which the hearts of Muslims from all corners of the earth yearn.

The virtues of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and making the most of these blessed times

Sheikh Al-Sudais emphasized that God Almighty has bestowed great favor and a lofty status upon the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, citing the verse: “By the ten nights” (Quran 89:2), explaining that the majority of scholars interpret this to mean the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. He also cited the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to God than these days.” He urged Muslims to seize the opportunity of these blessed days by diligently performing their religious duties, avoiding sins, and increasing their good deeds and acts of worship. He also highlighted the virtue of fasting on the Day of Arafah for those not performing Hajj and encouraged frequent recitation of the Tahleel (La ilaha illallah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) during these blessed days.

Glorifying God's rituals: a religious and security responsibility

Al-Sudais stated that the convergence of the sanctity of time and place at the Sacred House of God necessitates venerating God's rites and preserving the sanctity, security, and order of the Grand Mosque, citing the verse: "That is so. And whoever honors the rites of God - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts." He emphasized the importance of tranquility, mercy, and good character, refraining from harming or inconveniencing Muslims, and adhering to the regulations and instructions governing Hajj. He pointed out that venerating the Sacred House includes maintaining its security, respecting its regulations, and not harming the guests of God, stressing that the Holy City has a sanctity and great status that must be preserved, and that pilgrims should be characterized by Islamic ethics, gentleness, and cooperation.

Local and international impact of organizational success

Adherence to these guidelines has a profound impact on all levels. Locally, the pilgrims' awareness contributes to the success of crowd management plans and facilitates the work of security and health authorities. Regionally and internationally, the success of the Hajj season reflects a bright image of Islamic organization and the Kingdom's exceptional ability to manage the world's largest human gathering peacefully and securely, sending a message of safety and peace to millions of Muslims observing the Hajj rituals around the world.

Integrated efforts to serve pilgrims

Al-Sudais highlighted the comprehensive resources and services provided by the wise leadership – may God support them – to serve the pilgrims, through various security, service, health, and organizational agencies. He commended the efforts of security personnel and all those working during the Hajj season. He urged pilgrims to cooperate with them, adhere to crowd management plans, and refrain from praying in corridors and roads. Within these comprehensive efforts to ensure the comfort of pilgrims, the importance of continuous weather and climate monitoring is paramount

The purposes of Hajj and sincere supplication

Sheikh Al-Sudais explained that Hajj is based on achieving monotheism, dedicating worship solely to God, and following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), citing the verse: “And [remember] when We assigned to Abraham the site of the House, [saying], ‘Do not associate anything with Me.’” He called upon the pilgrims to perform the rituals according to the Prophetic guidance, to fulfill the objectives of Hajj, and to refrain from obscenity, sin, and argumentation. In closing, the Head of Religious Affairs expressed his gratitude to the wise leadership for the care and attention given to the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims of the Sacred House of God, asking God Almighty to accept the pilgrims’ good deeds, to make their Hajj accepted, their efforts appreciated, and their sins forgiven.