Hajj pilgrims warned over mixing politics with religion

Saudi Arabia yesterday warned pilgrims not to mix politics with religion while performing Hajj. During a meeting of the Saudi Cabinet, chaired by King Salman, pilgrims were urged to be considerate of the privacy and spirituality of the holy places and not to engage in political acts.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Minister of Information Turki Al Shabanah called on worshippers to refrain from taking part in any political activities that might disturb the pilgrimage, such as the raising of slogans. He stressed that the Kingdom would not accept such behaviour and would take all necessary action to prevent any misconduct. Addressing the ministerial meeting, held at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah, King Salman welcomed pilgrims on their journey to perform the fifth pillar of Islam and directed all bodies involved in organising Hajj to continue in providing security, stability, and tranquility for pilgrims and improve the services provided to them at land, sea and air entry points to the country.

The Cabinet applauded the continued development of pilgrim services, noting the achievement of the Makkah Road initiative to speed up pre-travel administration and baggage issues. In other business, ministers commended a decision reached during the recent OPEC and OPEC plus meetings to extend the agreement to reduce production until the end of the first quarter of 2020, which would contribute to the stability of oil markets. The move would establish a framework of sustainable co-operation which would work to the benefit of producers, consumers, and the global economy, the Cabinet agreed.