Islamic Sharia's Attention and Distinction in Regulating Crowd Management (A Fundamental and Analytical Study)

Abstract

The study demonstrates Islamic Sharia’s care, distinctiveness and pioneering role in regulating crowd management, and how Sharia grounds this field through both general and specific texts—particularly those related to the performance of Islamic rituals such as Hajj. The study identifies the factors underlying this distinction and the challenges facing crowd management. It highlights the importance of improving the quality of services provided to the “Guests of the Merciful” (pilgrims) and of contributing to the realization of the state’s Vision 2030 with regard to Hajj and Umrah. It also affirms that among the greatest objectives of Sharia is the preservation of the five essentials of human welfare, including the preservation of life from destruction, harm, or injury—an aim shared by crowd management in ensuring people’s safety and providing them with security and reassurance.

The researcher adopted a descriptive–analytical methodology in examining the selected texts. Among the most significant findings are: the close relationship between means of transportation and crowd management; that religious crowds possess a distinct spiritual character; and that key success factors in crowd management include sound planning, training and execution, together with the availability of modern equipment and technological tools.

The study offers several recommendations, including: establishing an international academic institute specializing in the science of crowd management in the city of Jeddah; improving the design of road networks at the holy sites to make them model “smart” roads; and studying the creation of enclosed electric pedestrian corridors between the holy sites (Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat).