Saudi Arabia Refines 'Murur' Scheme for Elderly and High-Risk Pilgrims to Ease Congestion During Hajj Peak

Sun, 17 May 2026, 17:17 WIB | By Putri Yuliani | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Social Policy

High volatility is still likely to continue until the end of May.

The implementation plan for the ‘Murur’ scheme during the peak of Hajj is confirmed to have undergone thorough consideration from a Sharia perspective. Pilgrims who meet the criteria for participating in this scheme are assured that their religious merit will not be diminished.

This affirmation was conveyed by Musyrif Diny, Buya Gusrizal Gazahar, after a socialization event regarding the Hajj peak in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna), in Mecca, Saturday (16/5).

“We must understand that all policies taken in the implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage have been considered from a Sharia perspective,” said Buya Gusrizal.

According to the Head of the Fatwa Methodology Division of the Central MUI for the 2025-2030 period, the main task of Musyrif Diny is to oversee and ensure that every policy taken by the government has a strong Islamic legal basis. This includes the technical preparation of the ‘Murur’ scheme (passing through Muzdalifah without disembarking from the bus) as well as ‘Tanazul’ (early repatriation).

In principle, Gusrizal explained, staying overnight in Muzdalifah is indeed an obligation. However, various classical fiqh literature from scholars also contains Sharia arguments that provide rukhsah or exemptions for certain groups of pilgrims not to stay overnight.

Furthermore, he explained that there are fiqh views that allow pilgrims to leave Muzdalifah after midnight. In fact, there are opinions that permit pilgrims with extenuating conditions not to stay overnight at all.

Although there is total flexibility in fiqh, the Saudi Arabian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) chose a more cautious middle path. “It still involves passing through Muzdalifah with certain groups of pilgrims who have met the requirements to take the exemption,” added Gusrizal.

Therefore, he assures the public that the ‘Murur’ scheme prepared for the 2026 Hajj season has undergone in-depth and comprehensive studies from a Sharia perspective.

However, Gusrizal provides critical input that implementation in the field should be carried out selectively. This scheme should be prioritized for pilgrims who truly meet the requirements, such as elderly pilgrims, people with disabilities, and pilgrims with high medical risks.

This step, he said, actually reflects the essence of Islamic law itself. “Providing ease, not imposing many burdens, and alleviating difficulties when they have befallen or complicated matters for Muslims,” said Gusrizal. (E-4)

The Saudi Arabian Hajj Organizing Committee is finalizing the ‘Murur’ scheme for elderly and high-risk pilgrims to alleviate congestion in Muzdalifah during the peak of the Armuzna Hajj.

The Saudi Arabian Hajj Organizing Committee continues to refine the ‘Murur’ scheme for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims ahead of the peak of the fifth pillar of Islam in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna).

The DPR Oversight Team for Hajj has asked the Ministry of Religious Affairs to immediately report on the movement scheme for pilgrims in Armuzna, including the readiness of the ‘Murur’ and ‘Tanazul’ schemes for the elderly.

The government is preparing a ‘Murur’ scheme for 100,930 regular prospective pilgrims or 50 percent of the quota to reduce extreme congestion and safety risks in Muzdalifah.

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