The Saudi Ministry of Interior confirmed in an official statement that the security situation is stable in all regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stressing that the daily lives of citizens and residents are proceeding in their normal and usual manner, thanks to God and then thanks to the security efforts exerted. This confirmation comes in light of monitoring the regional events and developments that the region has witnessed recently.

The Ministry noted that all security sectors are operating around the clock at the highest levels of readiness, within a comprehensive and interconnected security and service system. This system aims to enhance national security, protect its resources, and ensure the safety of all who live within its borders—citizens, residents, and visitors—based on well-defined strategic plans and advanced technologies that guarantee sustained stability.

Regional context and the importance of security stability

These assurances are of paramount importance given the geopolitical position of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its pivotal influence in the Middle East. Despite the tensions that the region may experience from time to time, the Kingdom has successfully maintained its status as an oasis of security and stability, thanks to its wise policies and constant security vigilance. This stability is a fundamental pillar not only for internal security but also for the continued progress of the country's economic and social development.

The implications of security for development and Vision 2030

Maintaining security is closely linked to the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, as a safe environment is a prerequisite for attracting foreign investment, revitalizing the tourism sector, and welcoming millions of pilgrims and Umrah performers annually. The Ministry of Interior's message affirms to the world that the Kingdom places the safety of all people – citizens and visitors alike – at the forefront of its priorities, thus reinforcing international confidence in Saudi Arabia's safe and stable environment.

Beware of rumors and unknown sources

In closing, the Ministry of Interior issued an important warning to the public, urging them to exercise caution and avoid being swayed by malicious rumors or sharing videos and information from unknown sources, which may aim to incite unwarranted panic. The Ministry stressed the importance of obtaining information and news only from official and accredited sources to ensure access to accurate and reliable facts, emphasizing that public awareness is the first line of defense against misleading campaigns.

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches each year, the jurisprudential and medical question that concerns a wide segment of Muslim women is renewed regarding the ruling on using medical drugs to delay or stop the menstrual cycle, out of their desire to fast the entire holy month without interruption, and to take advantage of its nights in prayer and worship.

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Manea's opinion: Permissibility is conditional upon the absence of harm

In this context, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Manea, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars, settled the ongoing debate by confirming that the Council had issued an official fatwa permitting women to use birth control pills or medications to stop menstruation for the purpose of fasting during Ramadan. Sheikh Al-Manea stipulated that this permission is contingent upon a crucial condition: that taking these pills does not cause any health harm to the woman.

Al-Manea explained the issue in detail, stating that the determining factor in Islamic law is the cessation of menstrual bleeding. If a woman takes medication and does not bleed, she is considered ritually pure, and her fasting, prayers, and other acts of worship are valid. The fact that her purity is due to medication does not affect the validity of her worship. He added, however, that if menstruation occurs despite taking the medication, she is not permitted to fast or pray and must make up the missed days after Ramadan.

Sheikh Saad Al-Shathri's opinion: Permissibility, but abstention is preferable

For his part, Sheikh Saad Al-Shathri, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars, agreed with the view that taking medication to stop menstruation is permissible and that there is no religious objection to it. However, he offered a deeper perspective, indicating that "avoiding such pills is preferable." Al-Shathri explained that the woman is rewarded in both cases.

Al-Shathri explained that a woman during her menstrual and postpartum periods receives the full reward for her good deeds, and even has her rewards multiplied, because her abstention from prayer and fasting during that time is in obedience to God's command. Therefore, she is considered to be in a state of worship even though she is not fasting. He considered that taking advantage of the religious dispensation and conforming to the physiological nature with which God created women may be a better option than medication that could cause hormonal imbalances.

The legal and medical context of the issue

This issue falls under what is known as "fiqh al-nawazil" or new issues that combine religious rulings with medical advice. Historically, jurists viewed menstruation as a natural occurrence that prevented fasting and prayer. However, with the development of medicine and the emergence of hormone-regulating drugs, the need arose to adapt the religious ruling based on the jurisprudential principle "the default ruling for things is permissibility unless there is evidence of prohibition." Since the goal is to be able to perform acts of worship, most contemporary scholars have leaned towards permissibility.

The importance of medical consultation before Ramadan

Despite its permissibility according to Islamic law, doctors and specialists emphasize that women should not make this decision unilaterally. Hormonal use can lead to side effects that vary from woman to woman, such as nausea, headaches, or menstrual irregularities in the following months. Therefore, the condition set by Sheikh Al-Manea, namely "no harm," implicitly requires consulting a specialist well before Ramadan to ensure the type and dosage are suitable for the woman's health condition, thus guaranteeing a safe and acceptable fast.