Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Tartous, SANA –Minister of Awkaf (Religious Endowments) Dr. Mohammad Abdul-Sattar al-Sayyed stressed that the Saudi decision to deprive the Syrians of their right to perform the rituals of Hajj (the Islamic annual pilgrimage to Mecca) is divorced from the teachings of Islam.
Al-Sayyed was speaking during a graduation ceremony for 250 students of al-Assad institutes for memorizing the Holy Qur’an at Sayyidah Khadijah Mosque in Tartous coastal province.
Saudi Arabia has issued a ban on Hajj visa for Syrian nationals for the third consecutive year, effectively barring an entire nation from performing a sacred religious duty.
The minister added that Islam is the religion of tolerance and amity which forbids extremism.
He noted that Syria has preserved its national unity thanks to the sacrifices of its people and the steadfastness of its army, hoping that it will defeat terrorism soon.
Saudi Arabia has issued a ban on Hajj visa for Syrian nationals for the third consecutive year, effectively barring an entire nation from performing a sacred religious duty.
Rasha Raslan/Manal Ismael
