Egypt’s Mufti Condemns Attempt to Target Makkah

Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr. Nazir Ayad condemned the attempt to target Makkah, emphasizing that endangering the Holy City is deeply distressing given its sanctity and revered place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. In a statement issued on September 17, 2026, and reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Grand Mufti underscored that the security of the Holy City and the Two Holy Mosques is a responsibility that transcends political and geographical considerations.

Context and Background

Makkah, the holiest city in Islam, hosts the Kaaba and the Two Holy Mosques, drawing millions of pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has consistently prioritized the safety and sanctity of these sites. The recent attempt to target Makkah, though unspecified in detail, has elicited widespread condemnation from Islamic scholars and leaders, reinforcing the global consensus on the inviolability of the Holy City.

Key Details

Dr. Nazir Ayad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, issued a strong denunciation of the attempt, stating that harming the Holy City does not target a place alone but also affects the feelings of Muslims in all parts of the world. He called for respecting the sanctity of Makkah, safeguarding its security, and refraining from exposing it or its visitors to any form of danger or terror. The statement, released via official channels, highlights the unified stance of Islamic authorities against threats to the Holy City.

Implications and Impact

The condemnation by Egypt’s Grand Mufti underscores the transnational significance of Makkah’s security. It reinforces the Kingdom’s role as the guardian of Islam’s holiest sites and its efforts to ensure the well-being of pilgrims. Such statements from prominent religious figures bolster international cooperation against terrorism and extremism, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of promoting moderate Islam and ensuring a safe environment for religious tourism.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience, protect cultural heritage, and foster global Islamic solidarity. The Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding the Two Holy Mosques and facilitating millions of pilgrims each year remains a cornerstone of its leadership in the Islamic world, contributing to the vision’s objectives of economic diversification and spiritual stewardship.

20 Questions

Q1. Who condemned the attempt to target Makkah?

A1. Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr. Nazir Ayad condemned the attempt, emphasizing the sanctity of Makkah and the need to protect it.

Q2. When was the statement issued?

A2. The statement was issued on September 17, 2026, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q3. What is the significance of Makkah in Islam?

A3. Makkah is the holiest city in Islam, home to the Kaaba and the Two Holy Mosques, attracting millions of pilgrims annually.

Q4. What did the Grand Mufti say about the security of Makkah?

A4. He stated that security is a responsibility beyond political and geographical considerations, requiring respect for the city’s sanctity.

Q5. How does targeting Makkah affect Muslims globally?

A5. It affects the feelings of Muslims worldwide, as Makkah holds a central place in the faith and hearts of all Muslims.

Q6. What is the role of Saudi Arabia in protecting Makkah?

A6. Saudi Arabia, as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, prioritizes the safety and sanctity of Makkah and ensures pilgrim well-being.

Q7. What does the statement say about those visiting Makkah?

A7. It calls for safeguarding visitors and refraining from exposing them to any danger or terror.

Q8. How does this condemnation reflect Islamic unity?

A8. It shows a unified stance among Islamic authorities against threats to the Holy City, reinforcing global Muslim solidarity.

Q9. What is the Saudi Press Agency’s role in this report?

A9. SPA, the official Saudi news agency, reported the statement, ensuring accurate and timely dissemination of official information.

Q10. How does this align with Vision 2030?

A10. It aligns with Vision 2030 goals of promoting moderate Islam, protecting heritage, and enhancing the pilgrimage experience.

Q11. What are the Two Holy Mosques?

A11. The Two Holy Mosques refer to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, the holiest sites in Islam.

Q12. Why is the security of Makkah a global responsibility?

A12. Because Makkah is revered by Muslims worldwide, its security transcends borders and requires international respect and cooperation.

Q13. What did the Grand Mufti urge in his statement?

A13. He urged everyone to respect Makkah’s sanctity, safeguard its security, and avoid endangering it or its visitors.

Q14. How does Saudi Arabia facilitate pilgrims?

A14. Through massive infrastructure projects, security measures, and digital services under Vision 2030 to ensure a safe and spiritual journey.

Q15. What is the significance of the Grand Mufti’s condemnation?

A15. It adds a prominent Islamic voice to the global rejection of threats against Makkah, reinforcing the city’s inviolability.

Q16. How does this affect regional stability?

A16. It promotes unity against terrorism and extremism, contributing to stability and peace in the region.

Q17. What is the stance of Saudi leadership on Makkah’s security?

A17. The Saudi leadership, under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has consistently prioritized the protection of the Holy City.

Q18. What does the statement say about the sanctity of Makkah?

A18. It emphasizes the sanctity bestowed by Allah and Makkah’s firmly established place in the faith and hearts of Muslims.

Q19. How can Muslims support the protection of Makkah?

A19. By respecting its sanctity, spreading awareness, and supporting efforts to safeguard the Holy City and its visitors.

Q20. What is the broader impact of such condemnations?

A20. They strengthen global awareness and cooperation to protect holy sites, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Islamic world.

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