Hajj without permit is a sin, says Saudi Arabia's top religious authority

Gulf News

29-04-2025

Dubai: Saudi Arabia 's Council of Senior Scholars has reaffirmed that performing the annual Hajj pilgrimage without an official permit is considered a sinful act under Islamic law, emphasizing that obtaining a permit is a mandatory requirement for all individuals intending to perform Hajj.
Sheikh Fahd Al Majed, Secretary General of the Council, stated that the fatwa is based on Shariah evidence and principles, particularly Islamic teachings that prioritise easing religious obligations and minimizing hardship for worshippers.
He noted that the permit system is designed to regulate the massive number of pilgrims, ensuring they can perform their rituals in safety and peace, a recognized objective in Islamic law.
Sheikh Al Majed stressed that requiring a permit serves the public interest, as government entities plan security, health services, accommodation, and logistics for the Hajj season based on the authorised number of pilgrims.
Matching the actual number of pilgrims to authorised limits enhances the quality and safety of services, aligning with Shariah principles.
He also emphasised that adhering to the permit requirement constitutes obedience to the legitimate authority, citing the Quranic verse: "O believers! Obey God and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you."
The Council of Senior Scholars urged all pilgrims to comply with the permit requirement, warning that noncompliance could lead to significant risks, including threats to health and safety, a decline in service quality, and disruption of transportation and crowd management plans between the holy sites.
The council further clarified that performing Hajj without a permit not only harms the individual pilgrim but also negatively affects others who follow the regulations. Islamic law regards harm that extends to others as more severe than harm limited to oneself.