Sheikh Al-Sudais Warns Against Suicide Attempts at the Grand Mosque, Praises Security Efforts

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, the Imam of the Grand Mosque and President of Religious Affairs, has issued a warning concerning recent suicide attempts by individuals from the upper levels of the mosque. He stated that these actions are considered suicide, which is strictly forbidden by Islamic law and contradicts the teachings of Islam that emphasize the sanctity of life.

His remarks followed an incident where a security officer successfully intervened to prevent a Pakistani pilgrim from taking their own life within the mosque. Al-Sudais stressed the importance of adhering to guidelines and respecting the sanctity of the site, urging visitors to focus on worship and obedience.

He highlighted that religious texts clearly prohibit suicide, citing Quranic verses and hadiths that affirm the sacredness of human life and the duty to protect it.

Additionally, Al-Sudais commended the vigilance of security personnel and their ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of visitors at the two holy sites, asserting that their commitment reflects the honorable image of Saudi security personnel.

While suicide incidents at the Grand Mosque are exceedingly rare, they garner significant media attention and discussion on social media due to the mosque's revered status among Muslims worldwide.