More than 30 Muslim scholars will be available around the clock at Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah to answer questions from worshippers regarding the correct performance of Umrah rituals and provide related fatwas.
The step to ensure the Umrah rituals run according to Sharia is part of efforts to increase preparations for the holy month of Ramadan that the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques is currently working on.
In an interview with Arab News, Sheikh Badr bin Abdullah Al-Furaih, deputy president for guidance affairs, said that these scholars could be easily reached as they are available in seven spots inside the Grand Mosque.
The residency is also expected to increase the number of these scholars during Ramadan. It is known that these scholars will work in four shifts, with four working hours for each scholar.
In addition, visitors can also seek advice through the toll-free numbers 800 1222 400 and 800 1222 100.
In the first quarter of 2021, more than 23,000 visitors benefited from the services of the “We Guide You in Your Language” program, which is placed in seven locations within the mosque.
Non-Arabic speaking visitors need not worry about the language barrier as the Presidency has recruited interpreters to help handle worshippers’ inquiries.
Al-Furaih explained that there would be 12 interpreters ready to guide Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque and instruct them during their rituals.
In how many languages these scholars will answer the questions?
The advice will be available in seven languages: English, Urdu, Persian, French, Turkish, Husan, and Bengali.
Visitors can choose between these languages when using a robot or toll-free numbers in seeking fatwas or guidance.
When asked which of the four Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence these scholars would follow in their fatwas and instructions, Al-Furaih replied that the scholars would provide answers based on the Quran and Sunnah and the viewpoints of eminent Muslim scholars (cleric).
He added that in giving their fatwas and instructions, these scholars count on the fatwas issued by the Permanent Committee for Ifta.
