JEDDAH: The 33rd International Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims began on Wednesday, with the participation of scholars and academics from 35 countries focusing on jurisprudence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two-day conference, which is being held virtually this year, is organized by the Islamic Call Center in Brazil in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh stressed King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s attention and care for Muslims all around the world, especially for Muslim minorities.HIGHLIGHT The two-day conference is organized by the Islamic Call Center in Brazil in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. He said: “Today, the world is different due to the coronavirus. The current situation has affected our economy, social relationships and people’s movement and activity. Therefore, it is no wonder that it affects jurisprudence. “Muslims must take into consideration the recent changes, and precautionary measures must be respected and not ignored, whether in matters of worship or in daily and social habits. Muslims must abide by the rules and norms of the society they live in.” Al-Asheikh added that the Saudi government has taken several decisions to fight the pandemic, based on the importance of preventing risk. The minister said the Kingdom has cooperated with the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess the situation and provide counseling and recommendations in response to the pandemic, along with other measures taken in line with Islamic Shariah and recommendations from health authorities.