Saudi Fatwa council prohibits Hajj without official permit to safeguard pilgrims

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Fatwa Council has prohibited the performance of Hajj without an official permit, a move aimed at safeguarding the safety and security of pilgrims.

This is not the first time such action has been taken, as previous instances have seen individuals without permits barred from entering Makkah during the Hajj season, with some facing fines.

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In an official statement, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that the Council of Senior Scholars had issued a fatwa outlawing the undertaking of the holy pilgrimage without the requisite documentation.

Pilgrims preparing for the upcoming season have been urged to strictly adhere to established regulations and guidelines.

The decision, endorsed by key authorities including the Ministry of Interior and the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, was made after thorough consideration of the challenges and risks posed by unauthorised pilgrims.

The mandatory requirement for a permit, as decreed by the Fatwa Council, is not only a matter of legal compliance but also deeply rooted in Islamic law.

It plays a pivotal role in facilitating the worship and rituals associated with the pilgrimage, ensuring the smooth provision of services mandated by Sharia law and maintaining order and safety amidst the influx of pilgrims.

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In accordance with Islamic law, obtaining a Hajj permit is both a legal obligation and an act of obedience to the laws of the land.