Al-Azhar supports the KSA decision to organize Hajj in limited numbers this year due to the Corona pandemic.

Al-Azhar confirms, “This is a wise decision that fulfills the purposes of Sharia and preserves the safety of pilgrims”.

     The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmed Aṭ-Ṭayyeb, affirmed that the decision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to organize Hajj (pilgrimage) this year with a limited number, for those wishing to perform the rites of pilgrimage in the various nationalities who reside in the KSA, is a religiously-rewarded wise decision. The decision takes into account the keenness not to disrupt the pilgrimage, and cares for the safety of the pilgrims.

     The statement affirms that promoting self-preservation is the most important purpose of the Islamic Sharia. The above-mentioned decision demonstrates the awareness of the leadership of KSA of the seriousness of the Coronavirus, especially in the light of the rapid spread of this pandemic threatening the lives of people everywhere, the statement notes.

     Al-Azhar praises the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salmān bin ‛Abdul-‛Azῑz Āl Sa‛ūd, and the Crown Prince, Muḥammad bin Salmān bin ‛Abdul-‛Azῑz Āl Sa‛ūd, in the service of pilgrims, facilitating their services and maintaining their safety. Al-Azhar also praises the efforts of His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdul-Latif Āl Sheikh, the KSA Minister of Islamic affairs, who strives diligently and persistently in facing extremism, and promoting moderation.

     Al-Azhar Al-Sharif also affirms its keenness on permanent coordination with the Council of Senior Scholars in the KSA, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs there in everything that benefits the Muslims around the world and that serves their interests, asking Allah Almighty to lift the world's scourge and pandemic.