Praise be to Allah, Who said: “But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” Al-Imran 97.

Blessing and peace upon the Messenger of Allah who said:

“There are no days in which a good deed is more pleasing to Allah than these ten days. O People increase during these days tasbih, tahmid, tahlil, and takbir” (Ahmed and Tabarani)

The International Islamic Fiqh Academy, with its Presidency, Secretariat, members and experts, as they welcome the Hajj season of 1442 AH, recalls what Allah the Almighty, the Most Sublime, has bestowed upon the Ancient House (Kaaba) of great virtues in all times, for it is the His most beloved place, which is also considered the first in purity, safety, solemnity and stability.

Allah the Almighty said:

“And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], “Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].” Al-Baqarah: 125

“And [mention, O Muhammad], when We designated for Abraham the site of the House, [saying], “Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.” Al-Hajj: 26

“In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe.” Al Imran: 97

“Have they not seen that We made [Makkah] a safe sanctuary, while people are being taken away all around them? Then in falsehood do they believe, and in the favor of Allah they disbelieve?” Al-Ankabout, 67

The preservation of these characteristics of the House of Allah is one of the most essential duties, just as performing the duty of purification, ensuring safety and security, and glorifying the rituals are some of the most sacred and honourable duties throughout the ages. The perseverance in purifying the House of Allah by washing it, perfuming it, and keeping it free from epidemics, diseases, and filth is based on the provisions of Shariah and the realization of its objectives. It is also a commitment to the most honourable deeds, the best acts of worship, and the highest forms of obedience to Allah the Almighty.

The world is going through an exceptional health emergency due to the unprecedented spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which has spread fear and panic everywhere, killed millions of souls, disrupted traffic and travel between countries, and has widely affected all aspects of life. Despite the enormous scientific and practical efforts that governments and nations are making to combat this pandemic and prevent its spread, the bitter truth is that the pandemic has not yet been controlled, and it continues to spread in many countries. Its strains mutate, and its waves intensify from time to time.

On the premise that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which Allah the Almighty has honoured by entrusting it with the Two Holy Mosques, has provided the best means of comfort, security and safety for the pilgrims and visitors who come to these blessed lands every year to perform their rituals with ease that surpasses all description,

And given the confidence of the Ummah’s jurists, scholars, and thinkers, worldwide, in the sincerity and dedication of the wise Saudi leadership to protect and preserve these holy places,

Also given the precision and wisdom that characterized the decision taken by the Saudi leadership to prevent the spread of the pandemic, as a fulfillment of their responsibility before their Lord the Almighty, and following the teachings of our religion, and fulfilling their responsibility before history,

The International Islamic Fiqh Academy, with its Presidency, Secretariat and scholars who represent the Ummah with all its countries and corners, takes this opportunity to reassure the Muslim countries and communities around the world that the decision taken by the Saudi government to allow just a limited number of citizens and residents to perform Hajj in this year 1442 H, is an effective, appropriate, and firm decision.

The Academy also confirms that this decision is wise and in line with the primarily provisions of Shariah and that it realizes its supreme objectives, namely those of preserving religion and human lives. Hence, the proper management of Hajj, which is the fifth pillar of Islam, aims at safeguarding faith and human lives by allowing a limited number of people to perform Hajj this year due to the prevailing health conditions.

Furthermore, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, which is the world’s leading jurisprudential reference for Muslim countries and communities, calls on Muslims around the world to respect this well-established decision, and also calls on pilgrims -may Allah aid them in performing this duty appropriately – to fully adhere to the health guidelines and precautionary measures taken by competent authorities during the Hajj.

Finally, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, with its Presidency, Secretariat, members and experts, takes this opportunity to express its sincere thanks and appreciation for the great and tireless efforts exerted by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his loyal Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, may Allah sustain them, in the development of the two Holy Mosques and the services given to pilgrims and visitors.

May Allah reward them in the name of Islam and Muslims with the best of rewards. May Allah bless them and the Saudi people with security, safety, and stability. May Allah accept the Hajj of the pilgrims and make it a commendable effort, forgive their sins, and make their Hajj an ever-blessed act.

Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano

Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy

Jeddah,
Tuesday 5 Dhul Quida 1442
15 June 2021.