Khalid Al Faisal announces success of Haj season

Sunday, September 3, 2017


The Emir of Makkah and head of the central Haj committee Prince Khalid Al Faisal has announced the success of the Haj season for 2017.

“Haj was exceptional this year in all matters through the quality of the services provided to the pilgrims, the application of the plans and the attitudes of those involved,” Prince Khalid said during a press conference on Sunday afternoon.

“The culture of Haj, the culture of the standards of services and the culture of pilgrims greatly improved. Saudi Arabia has been taking steps to enhance the quality of Haj with every passing year and the pilgrims have a message of peace for the whole world.”

More than 2.3 million Muslims, mainly from Asian countries and the Arab world, have performed Haj this year and Iranians have a made a remarkable comeback after their government last year barred them from traveling to Saudi Arabia for the rituals of the fifth and last pillar of Islam, required from all physically fit adult Muslims who can financially afford it.

“Iranians are Muslims and this country is open to all Muslims to perform Haj and rituals. We have never prevented anyone wherever he or she is in the world from performing Haj. Saudi Arabia offer services to all pilgrims without any form of discrimination,” Prince Khalid said.

“God wanted us to be the means for reconstruction on this land and we want everyone to participate and cooperate in the task of reconstruction on earth. We accept every constructive criticism and we are keen on developing every aspect,” Prince Khalid added.

However, he stressed that Haj was purely for prayers and supplications.

“There is no religious tourism in the sacred sites. The kingdom does not allow anyone to interfere in its domestic affairs and does not interfere in the internal matters of other countries, nor does it encourage such an approach.”


 

Source: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/khalid-al-faisal-announces-success-of-haj-season-1.2084392