Mohamed Aissa: “Divergences between Algeria and Saudi Arabia won’t affect the next Hajj season

The Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Mohamed Aissa on a working visit of inspection to Illizi province, south-eastern Algeria, has told “Echorouk” that the divergences between Algeria and Saudi Arabia would in no way hinder the smooth running of the next Hajj or Pilgrimage season.

He said that the organization of this annual Islamic ritual is under the supervision of the World Islamic Cooperation Council, while assuring the Algerian pilgrims that this year there won’t be any negative impact, despite differing views between the two countries, on the Pilgrimage itself.

Mr Aissa further underlined there is a significant cooperation between his Ministry and the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, in order to exchange experiences and advices to this effect.

The minister also asserted during his inspection visit to Illizi province, said that there are no mosques in Algeria which are not subjected to the close supervision of the religious affairs ministry or the different security authorities in order to ward off any lapses or damaging drifts in the conveyance of Algeria’s moderate and peaceful view of the religion of Islam. 

Mr Mohamed Aissa highlighted in this connection the salient role played by the religious institutions under his Ministry’s constant supervision and guidance, which are, he said, “a bulwark of the moderate Islam, an “Islam which advocates the middle-of-the road stance by dutifully serving society”, as he put it.

The Minister of Religious Affairs further stressed from the administrative district of Djanet, the societal role of mosques as well as the newly-created local religious Institute of the province in the training process of future Imams and muezzins.