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Arab Times
27-04-2025
- General
- Arab Times
'Performing Hajj Without a Permit is a Sin'
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.
Saudi Gazette
27-04-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Council of Senior Scholars reaffirms performing Hajj without a permit is a sinful act
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars reaffirmed that performing the annual pilgrimage of Hajj without a valid permit is a sinful act. The council has reiterated its previous statement, dated Shawwal 12, 1445 corresponding to April 21, 2024, underscoring that obtaining a permit is mandatory for anyone wishing to perform Hajj. The council's Secretary General Sheikh Fahd Al-Majed stated that the council's fatwa (religious edict) on this matter is based on numerous pieces of evidence and Shariah principles, foremost among them is the Islamic teachings that emphasize easing religious duties for worshippers and alleviating hardship. The requirement to obtain a Hajj permit was intended to regulate pilgrims, enabling these large crowds to perform their rituals in peace and safety. This is a valid Shariah objective established by Shariah evidence. Sheikh Al-Majed said that the obligation to obtain a permit is consistent with serving the interests required by Shariah. This is because the government agencies responsible for organizing Hajj draw up a plan for the Hajj season with its various aspects: security, health, accommodation and food, based on the authorized number of pilgrims. The more the number of pilgrims matches the authorized number, the better the quality of services provided to pilgrims, which is a Shariah objective. Al-Majed emphasized that adhering to the permit is part of obeying the ruler in what is right. God Almighty says: O believers! obey God and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you." There are many texts on this subject, all of which emphasize the obligation to obey the ruler in what is right and the prohibition of disobeying his command. Adhering to the permit is part of obedience in what is right. Those who adhere to it are rewarded, while those who disobey are sinful and deserve the punishment prescribed by the ruler. The Council of Senior Scholars recommended compliance with obtaining the permit, stating that compliance with it prevents significant harm and multiple risks that arise from failure to obtain this permit, including impacts on the safety and health of pilgrims, the quality of services provided to them, and their transportation and grouping plans between the holy sites. The council emphasized the importance of adhering to the permit requirement, stating that compliance is essential to prevent significant risks and harms. These risks include potential threats to the safety and health of pilgrims, the quality of services offered, and the effective organization of their movements and crowd management at the holy sites. The authority clarified that performing Hajj without a permit not only harms the pilgrim himself, but also extends harm to other pilgrims who adhere to the regulations. It is established in Islamic law that harm that extends beyond harm is a greater sin than harm that is limited to harm caused by a minor act. The authority also emphasized that adhering to a permit is a manifestation of piety toward God Almighty. These regulations and instructions were established solely for the benefit of pilgrims, it added.
Saudi Gazette
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Sheikh Al-Issa warns against sectarian debates, says their harm extends beyond perpetrators to undermine Islam
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh underscored the great responsibility of scholars, thinkers and intellectuals of the Islamic world in raising the voice of wisdom in order to safeguard the unity of the Muslim Ummah and address its problems and issues. In his speech, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Fahd Al-Majed, secretary general of the Council of Senior Scholars, at the inaugural session of the second edition of the international conference on 'Building bridges between Islamic schools of thought' in Makkah on Thursday, the Grand Mufti called for the voice of reason to prevail as it tends to confront crises and puts things in their proper place. 'The problems and tribulations of the Islamic world should be a reason to unite the ranks and avoid exchanging accusations. It is our duty to strengthen the relationship and the bonds of brotherhood and build trust among ourselves,' he said. 'When doubts spread and discussions become heated, the wisdom of faith shall be present to take the reins of minds and hearts towards their correct direction,' the Grand Mufti said while calling for the necessity of raising the voice of knowledge and wisdom and lowering the voice of ignorance. In his speech, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Issa, secretary general of the Muslim World League, underlined the importance of upholding the principles of dialogue within the Islamic community. 'We all know that difference and diversity are a divine universal law and these continued to remain within the Islamic community for centuries,' he said. Sheikh Al-Issa pointed out that the negative paths of sectarian debates did not limit their tragedies to their perpetrators, but rather their evil extended to undermine Islam and Muslims in painful incidents, which history recorded in its painful pages. The second edition of the international conference on 'Building bridges between Islamic schools of thought' kicked off in Makkah under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Organized by the Muslim World League (MWL), the international gathering brought together senior muftis and scholars from various Islamic schools of thought, representing more than 90 countries. This year's conference, themed 'Towards an effective Islamic coalition,' aims to go beyond traditional dialogues by developing actionable programs that foster Islamic unity. Discussions will focus on practical initiatives to promote moderation, counter sectarian rhetoric, and address common challenges facing the Muslim world.
Saudi Gazette
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Grand Mufti underscores need to raise the voice of wisdom as Building Bridges Conference kicks off in Makkah
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh underscored the great responsibility of scholars, thinkers and intellectuals of the Islamic world in raising the voice of wisdom in order to safeguard the unity of the Muslim Ummah and address its problems and issues. In his speech, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Fahd Al-Majed, secretary general of the Council of Senior Scholars, at the inaugural session of the second edition of the international conference on 'Building bridges between Islamic schools of thought' in Makkah on Thursday, the Grand Mufti called for the voice of reason to prevail as it tends to confront crises and puts things in their proper place. 'The problems and tribulations of the Islamic world should be a reason to unite the ranks and avoid exchanging accusations. It is our duty to strengthen the relationship and the bonds of brotherhood and build trust among ourselves,' he said. 'When doubts spread and discussions become heated, the wisdom of faith shall be present to take the reins of minds and hearts towards their correct direction,' the Grand Mufti said while calling for the necessity of raising the voice of knowledge and wisdom and lowering the voice of ignorance. In his speech, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Issa, secretary general of the Muslim World League, underlined the importance of upholding the principles of dialogue within the Islamic community. 'We all know that difference and diversity are a divine universal law and these continued to remain within the Islamic community for centuries,' he said. Sheikh Al-Issa pointed out that the negative paths of sectarian debates did not limit their tragedies to their perpetrators, but rather their evil extended to undermine Islam and Muslims in painful incidents, which history recorded in its painful pages. The second edition of the international conference on 'Building bridges between Islamic schools of thought' kicked off in Makkah under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Organized by the Muslim World League (MWL), the international gathering brought together senior muftis and scholars from various Islamic schools of thought, representing more than 90 countries. This year's conference, themed 'Towards an effective Islamic coalition,' aims to go beyond traditional dialogues by developing actionable programs that foster Islamic unity. Discussions will focus on practical initiatives to promote moderation, counter sectarian rhetoric, and address common challenges facing the Muslim world.
