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Moroccan Pilgrims Granted Direct Route to Arafat: New Fatwa Eases Hajj Journey

Wednesday 07 August 2024 - 08:05
Moroccan Pilgrims Granted Direct Route to Arafat: New Fatwa Eases Hajj Journey

In a landmark decision, Morocco’s Supreme Scientific Council has issued a fatwa permitting Moroccan pilgrims to bypass Mina and proceed directly to Arafat on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, addressing logistical and physical challenges faced during the Hajj pilgrimage.

The announcement, made public on Tuesday by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, follows a request from the Royal Hajj Committee seeking religious guidance on the matter. This directive aims to alleviate the significant hardships encountered by pilgrims, enhancing their overall experience.

The Hajj pilgrimage, a cornerstone of Islamic practice, involves a series of rituals over several days. Traditionally, pilgrims spend the night at Mina on the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, known as the Day of Tarwiyah, before journeying to Arafat on the ninth, the Day of Arafat. This sequence, while rooted in the Prophet’s practice and highly recommended, is not mandatory for the fulfillment of Hajj.

The Council’s decision underscores the flexibility within Islamic jurisprudence to address contemporary issues without compromising the pilgrimage's spiritual integrity. By allowing a direct route to Arafat, the Council acknowledges the substantial physical and logistical difficulties that modern-day pilgrims face.

Arafat holds profound significance in the Hajj ritual, marking the apex of the pilgrimage. On this day, pilgrims gather for reflection and prayer, an act considered the cornerstone of Hajj. The traditional practice of stopping at Mina, although recommended, is now deemed non-essential in the face of practical considerations.

This fatwa represents a thoughtful response to the evolving needs of pilgrims, ensuring that the pilgrimage remains a deeply spiritual and attainable journey. By reducing the burdens on pilgrims, the Moroccan Supreme Scientific Council preserves the essence of Hajj while adapting to contemporary realities.


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