International Islamic Fiqh Academy (OIC) welcomes and endorses the Council of Senior Scholars of Saudi Arabia’s statement condemning the performance of Hajj without official permit.

Praise be to Allah the Almighty, Who legislated ability as one of the prerequisites for performing Hajj to His House through His wise words, “And performing the Hajj (pilgrimage) of this house, for the sake of Allah, is a duty upon mankind, for those who can reach it; and whoever disbelieves – then Allah is Independent of the entire creation! Aal Imrān 03:97; and Allah’s Final Prophet and Messenger (SAW) said in a hadith, as reported by Al-Bukhārī and Muslim on the authority of Abu Huraira (RA), “Whoever performs the Hajj to this house, without having intimate relations or committing sin, he will return pure of sin like the day he was born from his mother.” No. 1819, No.1350.

After reviewing the statement released by the Council of Senior Scholars of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 17 Shawal 1445, corresponding to 26 April 2024, concerning the requirement for Hajj pilgrims to obtain a permit before performing Hajj, and emanating from its status as the foremost religious authority for OIC Member states and Muslim communities worldwide, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy takes this opportunity to declare the following:

Commends and endorses the statement of the Council of Senior Scholars for its sagacity, solidity, and alignment with Sharia’s teachings and texts.

Assures Muslims all over the world that this wise and noble declaration is based on Sharia and supported by general fundaments and principles of Fiqh, which emphasize the obligation to prevent harm before and after it occurs, to avoid harm before bringing benefit, enduring individual or private harm before greater harm, being mindful of the short and long-term consequences of such actions, whether carried out directly or indirectly, the obligation to respect rulers (authorities) in what is good and the prohibition to breach their regulations and instructions. Furthermore, Sharia emphasizes of the preservation of the five essential elements, which are life, faith, progeny, property, and mind that Sharia came to promote, protect and keep away from anything that impedes or harms them, which, in this case, is crystal clear and demonstrated by the negative consequences and risks associated with not obtaining a Hajj permit in this current era.

Based on the above, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, together with the unified voice of its members and experts representing the Ummah’s scholars from various countries and regions, expresses its full support to the Council of Senior Scholars’ statement concerning Hajj without a permit.

And calls on all Muslims to abide by this decree, which emphasizes the prohibition on traveling to and performing Hajj without obtaining an official permit from the relevant authorities.

And particularly urges the diverse forms of media, digital platforms, imams, preachers, and scholars both in and beyond the Muslim world to support and disseminate this important statement, to encourage their fellow Muslims to uphold it, and to highlight the sinfulness of such actions to those who commit them.

On behalf of the Ummah’s scholars and academics, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy extends its heartfelt gratitude, praise, and appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership and its people, for their dedicated stewardship of the Two Holy Mosques, and for their services and unwavering commitment to serving pilgrims and visitors.

Our prayers to Allah the Most High that He continues to bestow safety, stability, prosperity, and comfort upon the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people, protecting them from any harm, for He is the Guardian of that and Capable of it.

Our final supplication is that all praise and thanks are due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

On behalf of the Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy

Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano

Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy

Thursday, 23 Shawwal 1445 – 02 May 2024

Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.