In a fresh declaration backed by Islamic jurisprudence, Saudi Arabia’s highest religious authority has stated categorically that embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage without an official permit constitutes a sinful act under Islamic law. The position, made public by the Council of Senior Scholars, reinforces the kingdom’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the sacred rites of Hajj are performed within a framework that guarantees safety, order, and compliance with divine guidance.
Speaking on the matter, Sheikh Fahd Al Majed, the Secretary General of the Council, explained that the directive is rooted in the principles of Shariah, which emphasize the reduction of hardship in religious observance. He noted that requiring an official permit is not just a regulatory procedure by the state, but a necessity grounded in Islamic teachings aimed at safeguarding public welfare and easing the performance of rituals.
According to Sheikh Al Majed, the permit system is a practical mechanism through which the Saudi authorities manage the immense number of pilgrims who travel from across the globe for Hajj. He highlighted that this system plays a vital role in facilitating security, medical care, accommodation, and transportation services during the pilgrimage. By ensuring that the number of pilgrims corresponds with the approved capacity, authorities are able to uphold a high standard of service delivery while maintaining the sanctity and serenity of the holy rituals.
The Council further clarified that adhering to the permit condition is not merely a matter of administrative compliance but one of religious obligation. Quoting directly from the Qur’an, Sheikh Al Majed reminded the Muslim faithful of the command: “O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.” This, he stressed, places a divine responsibility on Muslims to respect lawful instructions issued by legitimate leaders, especially when those directives serve the broader interests of the Ummah.
In addition, the scholars issued a strong warning against disregarding the Hajj permit rule, stating that violations can lead to serious consequences. These include heightened risks to health and safety, strain on public services, overcrowding, and a breakdown of logistical plans intended to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims between the sacred sites in Mecca and beyond. The Council noted that such actions, though seemingly personal, have wider negative implications, particularly for those who follow the rules and rely on well-coordinated services.
The fatwa underscores the gravity of knowingly participating in the Hajj without authorization, with the scholars asserting that it inflicts harm not only on the individual but on the collective community of pilgrims. Within Islamic law, any act that causes harm to others is treated as more grievous than one that affects only the individual, and thus, the scholars concluded, this form of disobedience cannot be justified on religious grounds.
Saudi Arabia, which expects another large influx of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj in June, continues to emphasize that the permit policy is essential for the preservation of order during what is often described as the largest annual human gathering. Nigerian pilgrims, and indeed Muslims from around the world, are therefore strongly urged to secure proper documentation and adhere strictly to the guidelines set by the Kingdom to ensure a safe, accepted, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience.
