Hajj not justified without govt permission, says Tahir Ashrafi

Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and Secretary General of the International Taazim Haramain Sharifain Council, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, emphasized the necessity of obtaining government permission before embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage.

Speaking at the Hajj Road Map Conference organized by the Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi praised the Saudi government's commendable efforts in organizing the pilgrimage.

However, he underscored that performing Hajj without proper authorization from the government is not permissible according to Islamic principles.

Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi also stressed the importance of maintaining a sacred atmosphere during the Hajj journey, urging participants to refrain from engaging in any political activities that could detract from the sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.

Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime – it is one of the fifth pillars of Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world travel to and perform Hajj in Makkah, modern day Saudi Arabia.

It takes place during the same time each year, in the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah – the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar. Hajj begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and lasts approximately five to six days depending on the sighting of the moon.

When the new crescent moon is sighted, Muslims around the world welcome in the four-day festival of Eid al-Adha.