Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh and Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar during the symposium in Makkah on Tuesday.

Various issues pertaining to Haj and Haj pilgrims were discussed at a two-day conference, Haj Grand Symposium 2015, which culminated in Makkah on Tuesday.

The event, held under the title of “Haj Culture, Legitimate Goal and Human Quest,” was held under the auspices of Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh and Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar, Saudi Press Agency said.

Researchers, thinkers, scholars and specialists in religious teachings and Haj affairs from all over the world were among those who attended the symposium.

Symposium Committee member Faiz Habis welcomed the guests and read out a speech by Hisham bin Abdullah Al-Abbas, secretary-general of the symposium. He said the culture of Haj is a wide culture, which necessitates a number of religious, economic and environmental requirements.

“The symposium is meant to highlight the importance of Haj culture in the behavior of Hajis and activation of the role of Islamic culture.”

Hajar said the selection of the title of the symposium is in response to recommendations made in the previous sessions and indicates consistence by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in organizing the event for the last four decades.

The minister called on the participants to exploit recommendations of the symposium to enlighten Hajis before their arrival in the holy land, which, he said, will contribute to avoid possible errors and shortcomings.

He also lauded the services and facilities being provided to the Haj pilgrims by the Saudi government since the era of country’s founder, King Abdulaziz, to the current era of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

The Grand Mufti called on pilgrims to perform Haj in a proper way, observe tranquility and calm and avoid chaos and obscenity.

Al-Asheikh also urged Hajis to keep away from partisan and sectarian slogans and, at the same time, urged scholars to exploit Haj ritual to discuss Muslims’ issues and exchange views on how to come up with things beneficial to the Muslim world.

The Grand Mufti thanked the leaders of the country for their efforts in caring for the two holy mosques and holy sites and providing all facilities to the visitors.