Prime minister urges religious institutions to promote values of inclusion, balance

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Tuesday reiterated Jordan’s steadfast position, under Hashemite leadership and through its people, as a beacon of moderation, tolerance and balance.

During a visit to the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, the prime minister underscored the ministry’s pivotal role in advancing these values, which he described as “the essence of our Islamic faith and a fundamental part of our national identity that rejects extremism, fanaticism, isolation, and exclusion.”

In a briefing on preparations for the upcoming Hajj season, Hassan emphasised the importance of instilling such principles in future generations, according to a Prime Ministry statement. 

 “Our children must grow up with faith in Allah, devotion to our religion, love for the homeland, and respect for others. These values should be expressed through meaningful actions and a way of life rooted in belief in God, loyalty to His Majesty the King, and a strong sense of national belonging,” he said.

The prime minister also commended the Ministry’s efforts in managing mosques, Qur’an memorisation centres, Islamic endowments, religious guidance, and social protection initiatives. 

He also applauded its role in safeguarding Al Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock, and the entire Al Haram Al Sharif compound through the Jerusalem Awqaf Department, under the Hashemite custodianship.

“We are facing grave challenges from Israeli extremism and the escalating violations in Jerusalem,” he said, affirming Jordan’s frontline role in defending the city against attempts to Judaise it and erase its Arab, Islamic, and Christian identity.

“This is our historical responsibility under the Hashemite custodianship and the duty of every member of the Jerusalem Awqaf Department who confronts aggression at Al Haram Al Sharif,” he added.

The Premier also extended deep appreciation to the employees of the Jerusalem Awqaf Department for their dedication to Al Aqsa Mosque and other Islamic holy sites. He noted that their efforts reflect Jordan’s broader role, led by His Majesty King Abdullah, in preserving Jerusalem’s Arab, Islamic, and Christian identity and in supporting Palestinian resilience.

Regarding charitable initiatives, Hassan said Jordan continues to serve as a model of national solidarity and unity, with ample avenues for giving, including support for the elderly, orphans, and the development of educational, healthcare, and social institutions.

He also highlighted the significant grassroots contributions by citizens to community service and the establishment of educational and social infrastructure across the country.

Turning to national development, the prime minister reiterated the importance of the Comprehensive Modernisation Vision, which seeks to enhance the state’s economic, political, administrative, and social capacities.

“All state institutions are obligated to work toward implementing this national project. We are all partners in this effort, and its success depends on the strength of our society and its institutions,” he said.

Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Khalayleh announced that Jordanian pilgrims will begin departing for the holy sites on May 23. 

He affirmed the Ministry’s full commitment to ensuring pilgrims receive the necessary support and care to perform their religious rituals with ease, from their departure from the Kingdom until their return.