In a statement carried by Saudi Press Agency, the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and the Saudi government for their great efforts to serve the two Holy Mosques and Muslims.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the highest seat of Islamic learning, also backed the move, calling it a wise decision that is compatible with the Shariah. Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb said that the decision takes into account the continuity of the Haj pilgrimage while reflecting the concern for the safety of the pilgrims of God’s Sacred House.
Sheikh Al-Tayyeb said that personal safety is the most important part of Islamic law. The move also reflects the awareness of the leadership of the Kingdom of the seriousness of the coronavirus, especially in light of its rapid spread, threatening the lives of people everywhere, the Al-Azhar chief said.
In a statement, Al-Azhar praised the efforts of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman in serving and facilitating pilgrims and keeping them safe.