Hajj 2025: Saudi Council reiterates permit requirement for pilgrimage

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars has reiterated that obtaining a permit is mandatory for anyone wishing to perform Hajj, emphasising that undertaking the pilgrimage without one is considered a sinful act, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

In a statement dated Shawwal 12, 1445 AH, the General Secretariat of the Council stressed the importance of adhering to the permit requirement, citing Islamic teachings that aim to ease religious duties and remove hardship from worshippers.

Council Secretary-General Sheikh Dr Fahd bin Saad Al-Majed said the fatwa is grounded in “numerous pieces of evidence and Sharia principles,” and that requiring a permit serves to organise the large numbers of pilgrims, enabling them to perform rituals “with tranquility and safety,” SPA reported.

Non-compliance of Hajj permit requirement to pose threats to public safety

The council warned that non-compliance could pose significant risks, including threats to pilgrims’ safety and health, degradation of service quality, and challenges in managing the movement and crowds at the holy sites.

Saudi authorities have consistently urged pilgrims to comply with official regulations to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the annual pilgrimage, which attracts millions of Muslims from around the world.