Pakistani Religious Councils Unveil Comprehensive Hajj and Umrah Code of Conduct
In a significant development for Muslim pilgrims, the Pakistan Ulema Council, Darul Ifta Pakistan, and the International Tazeem-e-Haramain Sharifain Council have jointly issued a detailed code of conduct for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The guidelines were formally announced at a news conference held in Lahore, emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to Saudi Arabian regulations and maintaining the sanctity of the holy sites.
Leadership and Key Announcements
The news conference was led by Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, who serves as the Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and Secretary General of the International Tazeem-e-Haramain Sharifain Council. He was accompanied by a gathering of prominent scholars and religious leaders, all united in their call for pilgrim discipline and respect.
Addressing the assembly, Ashrafi underscored that pilgrims must respect the sanctity of the two holy mosques and fully comply with all rules and regulations issued by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. He highlighted that performing Hajj without a valid permit is not only religiously impermissible but also illegal, urging those residing in Saudi Arabia to strictly avoid undertaking the pilgrimage without official authorization.
Essential Guidelines for Pilgrims
The scholars provided several key recommendations to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling journey:
- Acquire Complete Knowledge: Pilgrims are advised to gain thorough understanding of Hajj and Umrah rituals before departure to prevent difficulties during the holy journey.
- Cooperate with Authorities: Emphasizing that Saudi Arabia continuously works to facilitate pilgrims, the code stresses it is obligatory for visitors to cooperate with authorities and follow the prescribed conduct.
- Avoid Political Activities: Pilgrims were urged to refrain from engaging in political activities during Hajj and not to participate in any such efforts, as these actions could disrupt the peaceful environment of the holy sites.
- Use Registered Operators: The code cautions against booking travel through unregistered or unauthorized Hajj and Umrah operators, including informal online groups, to ensure safety and compliance.
This comprehensive code aims to foster a respectful and orderly pilgrimage experience, aligning with international standards and local laws.
