Ministry: Online Hajj Applications Now Open to Pilgrims Inside Saudi Arabia

The Ministry said Hajj packages for citizens and residents from inside the Kingdom have four categories at reasonable prices. SPA
The Ministry said Hajj packages for citizens and residents from inside the Kingdom have four categories at reasonable prices. SPA
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Ministry: Online Hajj Applications Now Open to Pilgrims Inside Saudi Arabia

The Ministry said Hajj packages for citizens and residents from inside the Kingdom have four categories at reasonable prices. SPA
The Ministry said Hajj packages for citizens and residents from inside the Kingdom have four categories at reasonable prices. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that registration for pilgrims inside the Kingdom is now open through the Ministry’s website and the “Nusuk application.”

The Ministry, in a press statement, said that Hajj packages for citizens and residents from inside the Kingdom have four categories at reasonable prices, including the economic package that starts from SR3984 riyals.

It cited different payment options either by paying the total amount or in three installments.

Applicants must ensure they have a valid “national identity” for citizens or a “resident identity” for residents, valid until the end of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 AH, for those wishing to perform Hajj.

In addition, the Ministry said that the minimum age for the electronic application had been set to 12 years with a priority for people who have not performed Hajj before and in case of the availability of vacant places, those who have previously performed Hajj will be included.

It added that women’s Mahram will be excluded from the priority advantage.

All applicants are also required to complete immunization with the Covid-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines, in addition to obtaining a valid vaccination certificate proving receipt of the “ACYW quadruple meningitis” vaccine, at least 10 days before arriving at the holy sites for Hajj.

The Ministry stressed that Hajj-related services are implemented through companies and institutions licensed by it to serve pilgrims within the Kingdom.

It said registration for Hajj must be done by the pilgrim himself, urging all applicants to avoid dealing with campaigns, agents or companies that are not licensed by the Ministry.



Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat

Bringing together representatives from Fiqh academies, organizations, councils, and religious committees, along with a distinguished assembly of muftis and senior scholars from various schools of thought and sects across the Islamic world, the Scholars’ Session reaffirmed the enduring consensus in Islam—both historically and contemporarily—on the legitimate right of women to education.

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.

At the conclusion of the extensive scholarly dialogue, which lasted several hours, all participants unanimously affirmed—with enlightened judgment—the Islamic consensus, both historically and contemporarily, on the legitimate right of women to education.

This consensus is based on the comprehensive Islamic texts concerning the matter, affirming that women possess the same rights as their male counterparts to education at any age, level, or field of study, provided it aligns with Islamic teachings.

The discussion underscored that this right is rooted in the fundamental Islamic obligation of seeking knowledge, which applies equally to both genders, in accordance with Islamic teachings.

The dialogue included a thorough refutation of all misconceptions surrounding women's education, whether these were complete or partial. Participants emphasized that their religious declaration is intended for all individuals, institutions, and both public and private entities across the Islamic world and minority communities, adhering to the appropriate Islamic methodology for such declarations.

The scholars’ statements praised the comprehensive principles related to the legitimate empowerment of women in general, and their education in particular, as outlined in the Charter of Makkah and the Charter of Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.

Both international conferences, which issued these charters, were supported by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.