More than 18,000 pilgrims have performed Haj under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Pilgrim-Guest Program in the 13 years since its inception. The program annually hosts more than 1,000 Muslims. It is supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance and has various objectives including the King's desire for hosting pilgrims at his own expense as charitable work, showing a spirit of Islamic cooperation and brotherhood among Muslims and enhancing links with influential Muslims in their societies and institutions. The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance, Sheikh Saleh Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Aal Al-Sheikh, meanwhile, stressed the importance of facilitation in Haj according to Shariah teachings, noting that facilitation becomes a necessity in the Haj season At a meeting with scholars and preachers participating in awareness programs of pilgrims here Sunday, he called on them to adhere to moderation in issuing Fatwas (Islamic Decrees) and to take into consideration the circumstances of pilgrims.
