The General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars reaffirmed the Council’s fatwa requiring an official permit to perform Hajj,
emphasizing that performing Hajj without obtaining a permit is a sinful act.
His Excellency Dr. Fahd Al-Majid, Secretary-General of the Council, explained that the fatwa is grounded in Islamic principles aimed at facilitating worship for pilgrims and lifting hardship, citing the Quranic verses:
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship,”
“And He has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.”
He stressed that requiring a permit serves a clear Shariah objective of organizing pilgrims’ affairs, ensuring their safety and well-being,
and guaranteeing the quality of services based on the authorized number of pilgrims within comprehensive security, health, and accommodation plans.
Dr. Al-Majid further highlighted that compliance with the permit requirement is part of obedience to the ruler in matters of public good, citing the Quranic verse:
“O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.”
He warned that failing to comply is a sinful act and exposes violators to prescribed penalties,
emphasizing that the harm from unauthorized Hajj affects not only the individual but also other compliant pilgrims, undermining the safety and efficiency of the pilgrimage experience.
The Council concluded by emphasizing that adhering to the permit system reflects piety towards Allah and serves the collective interests of pilgrims, referencing the verse:
“And whoever intends to perform Hajj therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor argument during Hajj.”
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