Monday 02 / June / 2025
Jeddah: The Omani Hajj mission took part in the 49th edition of the Grand Hajj Symposium, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the Council of Senior Scholars and King Abdulaziz Foundation. Held under the theme "Capability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments," the event took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah.
Since its inception in 1397 AH (1977), the symposium has served as a leading knowledge platform, fostering scholarly and intellectual exchange among Islamic scholars and thinkers. It focuses on the religious, cultural, and social dimensions of Hajj, highlights Saudi Arabia’s achievements in serving the guests of the Most Merciful, and showcases pioneering projects in the Two Holy Mosques. Additionally, it promotes intellectual dialogue to address challenges facing the Islamic world.
The symposium commenced with a special meeting for heads of Hajj affairs offices from various Islamic countries, including the Omani delegation, to discuss coordination and cooperation in serving pilgrims.
The opening session featured welcoming remarks, followed by the first main session, titled "Facilitating the Ritual and Empowering Pilgrims: Saudi Arabia’s Vision in Serving Hajj Performers." This session highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in streamlining pilgrims' journeys—from arrival to departure—providing integrated healthcare, and ensuring their safety through security measures and regulatory permits. It also reviewed infrastructure development projects in Makkah and the holy sites.
The second session, "The Concept of Capability in Islam and Its Role in Facilitating Hajj," discussed topics such as physical and financial capability (istita'ah) and the importance of educating pilgrims on its jurisprudential aspects.
On the sidelines of the symposium, specialized workshops were held, with participation from the Omani Hajj mission, including sessions on healthcare services, and media and awareness. These aimed to enhance service quality for pilgrims and craft a global narrative for Hajj. The event concluded with a final statement emphasizing the need for stronger cooperation among Islamic nations to serve pilgrims and address contemporary challenges.
Held for over four decades, the Grand Hajj Symposium underscores Saudi Arabia’s role as a religious and cultural beacon. Oman’s participation reflects its commitment to contributing to this intellectual forum, which fosters dialogue and unifies efforts to improve the Hajj experience.
On the sidelines, Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah met with Ahmed Saleh Al Rashdi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and head of the Omani Hajj mission, along with heads of Hajj delegations from several brotherly and friendly countries. They discussed various topics related to organizing pilgrims' affairs.
