With the backing of the Holy Alawi Shrine, the Department of Guidance and Research of the Hajj and Umrah Organization organized the Annual Conference of Hajj Guides for the 1447 AH Season in the Lady Aminah (peace be upon her) Hall, located in the Courtyard of Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her). The event gathered over 600 male and female guides.
The conference was attended by the Deputy Custodian of the Holy Alawi Shrine, Sayed Isa al‑Khirsan, the Head of the Hajj and Umrah Organization, Shaikh Sami al‑Masoudi, a group of scholars and professors from the Islamic seminary, representatives of the Grand Religious Authorities, and a number of local officials from Najaf al‑Ashraf Province.
Commitment to Guidelines and Regulations
In his speech, Shaikh Sami al‑Masoudi emphasized the significant role of religious guidance in serving pilgrims and stressed the necessity of adhering to the officially approved rules and instructions in the holy lands. He urged guides to provide proper direction that helps pilgrims perform their rituals correctly and in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Lecturer and scholar Sayed Ahmed al‑Ashkouri highlighted the vital role of preachers — men and women — in fulfilling their mission of religious propagation. He underlined the importance of the seminaries and the supreme religious authority in preserving the faith and safeguarding the Sharia. Through the efforts of distinguished scholars and grand jurists, he said, the religious institution has remained a firm fortress for the Muslim community and a source of spiritual guidance.
Honoring a Scholarly Figure
During the conference, a documentary was screened about the late Sayed Muhammad Ali Bahr Al‑Uloom (may God have mercy on him), shedding light on his dedicated efforts in serving Hajj guides and pilgrims of the Holy Kaba.
In his remarks, Islamic scholar Sayed Rashid al‑Hussaini underlined the importance of the guides’ presence during the Hajj season to help pilgrims and convey the message of the Ahl al‑Bayt (peace be upon them). He also stressed the need for strict adherence to religious rulings based on the fatwas of qualified jurists.
Religious Guidance — A Prophetic Mission
Shaikh Karrar al‑Khafaji, Head of the Religious Affairs Section, told the shrine’s News Center:
“This conference is held under the slogan ‘Religious Guidance — the Mission of the Prophets’. Its goal is to prepare and orient the Hajj guides accompanying the pilgrims and to provide them with the necessary religious training.”
Virtual Hajj and Serving Pilgrims
He added:
“The Holy Alawi Shrine offers a variety of programs to assist pilgrims, including ‘Virtual Hajj’ courses prior to the season. In these sessions, pilgrims receive practical instruction using scaled models that simulate the Kaba and other ritual sites, helping them learn how to perform the rites correctly.”
Appreciation of the Alawi Shrine’s Role
Shaikh Talib Aziz, Director of the Research and Studies Department, remarked:
“This annual conference is traditionally held near the Shrine of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) , with the participation of hundreds of male and female guides. Its aim is to enhance their awareness of their central role in serving pilgrims.”
He also expressed deep appreciation for the outstanding role of the Holy Alawi Shrine in supporting and hosting this event.
It is noteworthy that the Holy Shrine of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) continues to provide annual services to thousands of pilgrims, playing a key role in enhancing their religious awareness before they depart for the Holy Lands.
