The Saudi government has stated that the annual Hajj pilgrimage is a religious event and should not be utilized for political expression.
In a statement on Thursday, Saudi Hajj Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said: “Hajj is for worship, not for any political slogans.”
He underscored the commitment of the Kingdom’s leadership to ensuring that the pilgrimage “embodies the highest levels of devotion, tranquility, and spirituality.”
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The announcement coincides with global Muslim condemnation of Israel’s recent military actions in Gaza. Despite this, Saudi Arabia, which hasn’t officially recognized Israel since 1948, has advised against politicizing the Hajj for protests.
“The Saudi government will ensure compliance with these regulations during the pilgrimage,” Al-Rabiah stressed, highlighting the history of adherence to such rules.
Saudi Arabia has announced that the Hajj will commence on June 14th, following the sighting of the crescent moon by astronomical observatories on Thursday evening.
The Hajj is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all Muslims who have the means to undertake it.
