49th Grand Haj Symposium Gathers Islamic Thinkers From 57 Countries

From Nurliyana Farhah Ruslan

JEDDAH, June 1 (Bernama) – The 49th Grand Haj Symposium organised by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia today focused on in-depth, scholarly discussions on contemporary fiqh issues, welfare, and the current needs of Haj pilgrims.

Themed ‘Ability to Perform Haj and Contemporary Developments’, the symposium took place at a hotel here and was attended by over 500 religious ministers, prominent scholars and Islamic thinkers from 57 countries.

Among those present were Malaysia's Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Tabung Haji (TH) Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mustakim Mohamad, and Head of Malaysia’s Haj Delegation for 1446H/2024M, Mohd Hisham Harun.

Mohd Na’im said the symposium, which has been held since 1970, now serves as a vital platform for religious leaders from around the world to strengthen the roles of dakwah (sharing the message of Islam) and education within a more integrated and inclusive context of the Haj pilgrimage.

“The symposium which was officiated this morning was joined by several key figures, including the Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah, the Head of Saudi Security, Minister of Health and the Minister of Transport.

“This programme aims to inform Haj ministers involved of the efforts undertaken by the relevant ministries, as well as their roles and responsibilities in ensuring the smooth organisation of the Haj pilgrimage,” he told Malaysian media personnel after attending a meeting with the Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah at the event.

Mohd Na’im added that the symposium also serves as a bridge for cooperation between religious authorities and Islamic institutions globally, thus strengthening strategic ties in Haj management.

“This gathering also acts as a platform to promote the universal values embodied in the Haj, such as tolerance, peace and unity among the Muslim community,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Hisham stated that the MADANI Government, through Tabung Haji (TH), continues to strive towards improving Haj services for the welfare and well-being of Malaysian pilgrims each year.

“TH’s participation in this Grand Haj Symposium aims to acquire as much Haj-related knowledge as possible for practical application in Malaysia’s Haj management,” he said.

-- BERNAMA