JEDDAH, May 21 (Bernama) -- Haj management must continue to be strengthened through a contemporary ijtihad (independent reasoning) approach in line with current developments, including in the areas of healthcare, technology and pilgrims’ safety, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
He said that the experience of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic had previously proven the importance of ijtihad in ensuring that every religious ruling and fatwa could be decided swiftly and accurately according to current realities.
“The haj season certainly requires contemporary ijtihad with the right approach. For example, during COVID-19, many new fatwas and religious rulings had to be decided through fast and accurate research.
“It requires the ability for us to engage with changes and current realities,” he said when presenting a working paper at the 50th Grand Haj Symposium here on Tuesday.
He said current haj management is no longer focused solely on acts of worship, but also encompasses public health issues, the use of digital technology, as well as the management of millions of pilgrims simultaneously.
He added that Malaysia already has a strong foundation and framework to address such challenges through religious institutions, muzakarah (discourse), and the involvement of experts from various fields.
“Malaysia actually already has a good framework. We have muzakarah and credible experts. Insya-Allah, we are capable of facing these constantly evolving changes and realities.
He said the principles of Maqasid Syariah (objectives of Islamic law) and the concept of al-taysir (facilitation) must continue to serve as the main foundation in modern hajj management to ensure the safety, comfort and welfare of pilgrims.
In the same development, he said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) continues to play an important role in ensuring that Malaysia’s haj management remains organised, efficient and relevant to current needs.
The 50th Grand Haj Symposium, organised by the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah, among others, discussed fiqh issues and fundamental Islamic religious matters related to haj, particularly concerning facilities and ease for Muslims performing the pilgrimage.
Themed ‘An Active Platform Serving the Guests of God... Half a Century of Knowledge Enrichment’, the symposium was attended by more than 500 religious ministers, ulama and thinkers from 60 countries.
“The haj season certainly requires contemporary ijtihad with the right approach. For example, during COVID-19, many new fatwas and religious rulings had to be decided through fast and accurate research.
“It requires the ability for us to engage with changes and current realities,” he said when presenting a working paper at the 50th Grand Haj Symposium here on Tuesday.
He said current haj management is no longer focused solely on acts of worship, but also encompasses public health issues, the use of digital technology, as well as the management of millions of pilgrims simultaneously.
He added that Malaysia already has a strong foundation and framework to address such challenges through religious institutions, muzakarah (discourse), and the involvement of experts from various fields.
“Malaysia actually already has a good framework. We have muzakarah and credible experts. Insya-Allah, we are capable of facing these constantly evolving changes and realities.
He said the principles of Maqasid Syariah (objectives of Islamic law) and the concept of al-taysir (facilitation) must continue to serve as the main foundation in modern hajj management to ensure the safety, comfort and welfare of pilgrims.
In the same development, he said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) continues to play an important role in ensuring that Malaysia’s haj management remains organised, efficient and relevant to current needs.
The 50th Grand Haj Symposium, organised by the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah, among others, discussed fiqh issues and fundamental Islamic religious matters related to haj, particularly concerning facilities and ease for Muslims performing the pilgrimage.
Themed ‘An Active Platform Serving the Guests of God... Half a Century of Knowledge Enrichment’, the symposium was attended by more than 500 religious ministers, ulama and thinkers from 60 countries.