Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars reaffirmed that performing the annual pilgrimage of Hajj without a valid permit is a sinful act. The council has reiterated its previous statement, dated Shawwal 12, 1445 corresponding to April 21, 2024, underscoring that obtaining a permit is mandatory for anyone wishing to perform Hajj.

The council's Secretary General Sheikh Fahd Al-Majed stated that the council’s fatwa (religious edict) on this matter is based on numerous pieces of evidence and Shariah principles, foremost among them is the Islamic teachings that emphasize easing religious duties for worshippers and alleviating hardship.

The requirement to obtain a Hajj permit was intended to regulate pilgrims, enabling these large crowds to perform their rituals in peace and safety. This is a valid Shariah objective established by Shariah evidence.

Sheikh Al-Majed said that the obligation to obtain a permit is consistent with serving the interests required by Shariah. This is because the government agencies responsible for organizing Hajj draw up a plan for the Hajj season with its various aspects: security, health, accommodation and food, based on the authorized number of pilgrims. The more the number of pilgrims matches the authorized number, the better the quality of services provided to pilgrims, which is a Shariah objective.

Al-Majed emphasized that adhering to the permit is part of obeying the ruler in what is right. God Almighty says: O believers! obey God and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you." There are many texts on this subject, all of which emphasize the obligation to obey the ruler in what is right and the prohibition of disobeying his command. Adhering to the permit is part of obedience in what is right. Those who adhere to it are rewarded, while those who disobey are sinful and deserve the punishment prescribed by the ruler.

The Council of Senior Scholars recommended compliance with obtaining the permit, stating that compliance with it prevents significant harm and multiple risks that arise from failure to obtain this permit, including impacts on the safety and health of pilgrims, the quality of services provided to them, and their transportation and grouping plans between the holy sites.

The council emphasized the importance of adhering to the permit requirement, stating that compliance is essential to prevent significant risks and harms. These risks include potential threats to the safety and health of pilgrims, the quality of services offered, and the effective organization of their movements and crowd management at the holy sites.

The authority clarified that performing Hajj without a permit not only harms the pilgrim himself, but also extends harm to other pilgrims who adhere to the regulations. It is established in Islamic law that harm that extends beyond harm is a greater sin than harm that is limited to harm caused by a minor act.

The authority also emphasized that adhering to a permit is a manifestation of piety toward God Almighty. These regulations and instructions were established solely for the benefit of pilgrims, it added.