RIYADH, April 27: The General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia reiterated its statement from April of last year, which mandates that individuals wishing to perform Hajj must obtain a permit. The statement emphasized that “it is not permissible to perform Hajj without a permit, and anyone who does so is considered a sinner.”

In a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Secretary General of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Fahd Al-Majed, explained that the fatwa issued by the Council was based on several pieces of evidence and Sharia principles, particularly the Islamic law’s focus on facilitating worship and removing hardships for worshippers.

Al-Majed clarified that the requirement for Hajj permits was introduced to help organize the large crowds of pilgrims, ensuring that they can perform their rituals safely and peacefully. He affirmed that this is a valid Sharia objective supported by religious evidence.

He also noted that government agencies responsible for organizing Hajj create a seasonal plan based on the number of authorized pilgrims, stating that “the more the number of pilgrims matches the authorized limit, the better the quality of services provided.”

Al-Majed highlighted that adhering to the permit is part of obeying the ruler in what is right, citing numerous texts that emphasize the duty to obey the ruler’s rightful orders and the prohibition of disobedience. He further stated that adhering to the permit brings reward, while disobedience is sinful.

The Council of Senior Scholars also emphasized that obtaining a permit helps avoid significant harm and risks, such as threats to the safety and health of pilgrims, the quality of services provided, and the logistics of transportation and grouping at the holy sites. The Council explained that the requirement to obtain a permit not only affects the individual pilgrim but also impacts other pilgrims who have adhered to the system, urging adherence as a sign of reverence for God. The regulations, it said, were established purely for the benefit of the pilgrims.