Saudi Gazette

MAKKAH — Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, emir of Makkah, advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and chairman of the Central Haj Committee, on Monday asserted that the Kingdom will not tolerate any attempt to politicize the sacred Haj pilgrimage.

He was addressing a press conference after launching the 10th edition of the “Haj is a worship and civilized behavior” campaign in the holy city.

He said Saudi Arabia’s leadership, government and people are keen to mobilize all potentials to serve Haj and Umrah pilgrims as well as visitors to the Two Holy Mosques enabling them to perform their rituals in ease and comfort, calling on pilgrims to hold fast to the Islamic conduct and become civilized models for Muslims.

In response to a question on Qatar’s attempt to politicize the Haj pilgrimage and its call for internationalization of the holy sites, Prince Khaled said: “The answer is in the title of the Haj campaign ‘Haj is a worship and civilized behavior,’ and there is no politicization of Haj.”

The emir said that the campaign has brought about remarkable achievements and successes, of which the most important was a reduction in the number of illegal pilgrims to five percent during the last Haj while comparing with the previous year when the figure was nine percent.

Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Abdullah Bin Bandar, Haj Minister Muhammad Bantan, Assistant Minister of Interior and Acting Public Security Director Gen. Saeed Al-Qahtani, commanders of Haj security forces and other senior officials, were present during the launch of the campaign.

Prince Khaled said Makkah Development Commission has implemented various projects worth SR300 million. The projects are mostly concerned with pilgrims services and facilities. The commission is working on more projects, he said.

He expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Holy Mosques King Salman for his all out support and efforts in serving the pilgrims. He also thanked all of the companies providing services for the pilgrims.

The campaign aims to receive and welcome the pilgrims and ensures their safe arrival. The campaign also raises awareness among pilgrims that Haj is an act of worship that promotes peace and security. The campaign promotes Islamic values of peace and respect and it highlights the efforts of many Muslims.