By: Muhammad Ahmad Musa
Ummuljudd -Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
1st June 2025.
*Photo: Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, NAHCON Chairman*
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in collaboration with the Council of Senior Scholars and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, organized the highly anticipated 49th Grand Hajj Symposium in Jeddah today. This year’s symposium focused on the theme: “Capability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments,” highlighting the evolving nature of pilgrimage in the most recent times.
The event brought together scholars, officials, and experts of Hajj ecosystem to discuss critically crucial issues surrounding Hajj jurisprudence, pilgrims’ welfare and well-being. The symposium aimed to explore the concept of capacity in Islamic Shari’a and its applications in the contemporary context, facilitating the smooth and spiritually enriching performance of Hajj Pilgrimage while upholding the objectives of Islamic laws.
This year’s symposium saw an impressive gathering of over 500 participants from 57 countries around the world. Among the distinguished attendees was the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Taufiq Fauzan bin Al-Rabi’ah, who emphasized the Ministry’s preparedness for the upcoming Hajj exercise. Dr. Taufiq also underscored the significance of increasing pilgrims’ awareness, promoting preventative measures, and encouraging a sense of responsibility to ensure a safe and efficient pilgrimage.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, was a special guest at the symposium. Professor Abdullahi took the opportunity to engage in critical discussions and interactive sessions with heads of Hajj missions and various dignitaries present. He was accompanied by Ameen Amshi, Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Special Duties, representing the Vice President at NAHCON, alongside other key NAHCON officials including:
Prince Anofi’u Olarewanju Elegushi, Operations’ Commissioner, Dr. Mustafa Muhammad Ali, Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Alidu Shutti, Makkah Deputy Coordinator, Ustaz Abubakar Lamin, Saudi Liaison Officer and Ishaq Ja’e, Nusuk Masar Administrator
In addition to the symposium, there were workshops and training sessions on Healthcare Services for medical professionals and Media and Awareness for media practitioners involved with Hajj missions. These sessions contributed to the exchange of vital knowledge to improve the overall Hajj experience, from healthcare provision to communication strategies.
The 49th Grand Hajj Symposium also provided a platform for senior scholars and experts from across the Islamic world to share their knowledge and expertise, particularly on one of the most significant concepts in contemporary Hajj jurisprudence. This collaboration fostered a deeper understanding of Hajj’s religious, cultural, and spiritual dimensions, ensuring that pilgrims’ experiences align with Islamic teachings and traditions.
As part of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s continued commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience, the symposium served as a vital space for fostering knowledge exchange, intellectual dialogue, and global collaboration. It is hoped that the discussions and outcomes from this event will contribute to more effective planning and execution of Hajj, ensuring the safety, security, and spiritual fulfillment of millions of pilgrims in the years to come.
*Muhammad, writes from NAHCON Makkah Media Office
