Riyadh: 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 emphasized 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zulkifli highlighted that the haj season necessitates contemporary ijtihad with the right approach. During COVID-19, numerous new fatwas and religious rulings had to be determined through prompt and precise research. This situation requires the ability to engage with changes and current realities, he noted while presenting a working paper at the 50th Grand Haj Symposium on Tuesday.
He explained that current haj management is no longer solely focused on acts of worship but also encompasses public health issues, the use of digital technology, and managing millions of pilgrims simultaneously. He added that Malaysia has a strong foundation and framework to tackle such challenges through religious institutions, muzakarah (discourse), and the involvement of experts from various fields.
Dr Zulkifli asserted that Malaysia's existing framework is robust, mentioning the presence of muzakarah and credible experts. He expressed confidence that, Insya-Allah, the country is capable of facing these constantly evolving changes and realities. 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 haj management to ensure the safety, comfort, and welfare of pilgrims.
In the same development, he noted that Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) continues to play an important role in ensuring that Malaysia's haj management remains organized, efficient, and relevant to current needs. The 50th Grand Haj Symposium, organized by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Haj and Umrah, discussed fiqh issues and fundamental Islamic religious matters related to haj, particularly concerning facilities and ease for Muslims performing the pilgrimage. The symposium, themed 'An Active Platform Serving the Guests of God... Half a Century of Knowledge Enrichment,' was attended by more than 500 religious ministers, ulama, and thinkers from 60 countries.