LAHORE:
The Ulema Council of Pakistan, Darul Ifta Pakistan and the International Tazeem-e-Haramain Sharifain Council have issued a comprehensive code of conduct for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, urging strict compliance with Saudi regulations and preservation of the sanctity of holy places.
The guidelines were announced at a press conference in Lahore headed by Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman and International Tazeem-e-Haramain Sharifain Council Secretary General Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi along with prominent academicians and religious leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Ashrafi emphasized that pilgrims must respect the sanctity of the two holy mosques and fully comply with the rules and regulations issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia.
He said performing the Hajj without a valid permit is religiously impermissible and illegal, and urged those residing in Saudi Arabia to avoid performing the Hajj without official authorization.
Scholars advised pilgrims to acquire complete knowledge of Hajj and Umrah rituals before setting out to avoid difficulties during the holy journey. They highlighted that Saudi Arabia continuously strives to facilitate pilgrims and therefore, it is mandatory for visitors to cooperate with authorities and follow the prescribed code of conduct.
Pilgrims were also urged to avoid engaging in political activities during the Hajj and not to take part in such efforts, warning that such actions could disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the holy sites.
The code further warned against booking travel through unregistered or unauthorized Hajj and Umrah operators, including informal online groups.
