The Organization of Islamic Cooperation rejects the politicization of Hajj and praises Saudi Arabia's success
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation's stance on the politicization of Hajj
In a decisive statement, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) categorically rejected any attempts to exploit the Hajj pilgrimage for political purposes or to incite sectarianism. He emphasized that the Hajj is a pillar of Islam and a purely religious rite that must be performed in an atmosphere of tranquility and spirituality, far removed from any political slogans that contradict the objectives of Islamic law and jeopardize the safety and security of the pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia's successive successes: A practical response to the skeptics
The Secretary-General explained that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's remarkable successes in managing previous Hajj seasons represent the strongest and most practical response to all skeptics. Year after year, the Kingdom has proven its exceptional ability to host millions of pilgrims from around the world, providing them with the highest levels of security, safety, and comfort. This capability is evident in the meticulous organization and management of these massive crowds within a limited geographical area and in record time, a logistical and security achievement unprecedented globally.
The historical context and tremendous efforts to serve the guests of God
Historically, since its unification, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given great attention to the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites. The past decades have witnessed the largest expansions in the history of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, in addition to the development of infrastructure in the holy sites, such as the Jamarat Bridge project, the Haramain High-Speed Railway, and the development of transportation and healthcare networks. These tremendous efforts reflect the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to serving Islam and Muslims, and underscore that the care of pilgrims is a top priority for the Saudi leadership.
Importance and impact: locally, regionally, and internationally
Domestically, efforts to develop Hajj and Umrah services are closely linked to Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the religious and cultural experience of pilgrims and increase the capacity to accommodate visitors. Regionally and within the wider Muslim world, the success of the Hajj season strengthens the unity and solidarity of the Muslim Ummah, as Muslims from all corners of the earth gather in a single attire and with a shared purpose, thus reinforcing the values of tolerance and equality.
Internationally, the management of the Hajj is considered a model to be emulated in crowd and crisis management. This was clearly demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Kingdom was able to hold the pilgrimage with limited numbers and strict precautionary measures, thus ensuring the safety of pilgrims and preventing the spread of the virus, which was widely praised by the World Health Organization and the international community.
Conclusion: A call to embrace spirituality
In conclusion, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), representing the collective voice of the Muslim world, reiterated its call to all pilgrims and official delegations to adhere to the regulations and instructions issued by the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The OIC emphasized that cooperation with the Saudi authorities is the best way to ensure the smooth and easy performance of the Hajj rituals, and prayed that God accept the pilgrims' Hajj and grant the Muslim Ummah continued security and stability.
