Ashrafi urges pilgrims to fully observe Saudi laws, respect sanctity of Haramain Sharifain

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th May, 2026) Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council and Secretary General of International Tazeem-e-Haramain-e-Sharifain Council, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Friday urged Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to strictly observe the laws and code of conduct issued by Saudi authorities while upholding the sanctity and respect of the Two Holy Mosques.

Addressing a Friday congregation at Grand Jamia Mosque Bahria Town Lahore, Ashrafi said pilgrims must fully comply with the regulations issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to ensure smooth performance of religious rituals and maintenance of order during the pilgrimage season.

He stressed that individuals residing in Saudi Arabia should not perform Hajj without official permits, saying that unauthorized Hajj was neither legally nor religiously permissible.

Ashrafi said pilgrims should obtain complete guidance regarding Hajj and Umrah rituals before departure to avoid difficulties during the pilgrimage. He said Saudi Arabia continuously strives to serve islam and Muslims, while all its institutions remain committed to facilitating the guests of Allah in the best possible manner.

He urged pilgrims not to participate in political activities or gatherings during Hajj, warning that certain elements attempt to exploit the sacred pilgrimage for political purposes and create unrest in the holy sites.

The code of conduct issued during the Hajj conference also advised pilgrims not to book through unregistered Hajj or Umrah groups and online operators. It emphasized that pilgrims should purify their intentions solely for the sake of Allah and avoid unnecessary photography and videos during acts of worship.

Ashrafi said the true spirit of Hajj lies in humility, sacrifice of ego, and complete submission before Allah Almighty. He said pilgrims, dressed in simple white garments and reciting “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik,” declare their devotion, humility, and obedience to the commands of Allah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

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He advised pilgrims not to become anxious over delays at airports or during travel, but instead engage in remembrance of Allah, recitation of Durood Sharif, and Talbiyah, adding that patience during hardships of Hajj becomes a source of immense reward.

Highlighting the importance of discipline, Ashrafi said pilgrims must follow the instructions of group leaders and scholars during movement between Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, and while performing Rami al-Jamarat, to avoid accidents caused by overcrowding or haste.

He said Islamic scholars have already provided religious concessions for women, elderly individuals, and sick pilgrims regarding Rami rituals, urging them to benefit from those facilities instead of creating difficulties for themselves.

Ashrafi also warned that begging and carrying narcotics into Saudi Arabia are serious crimes, urging all pilgrims and visitors to stay away from such illegal activities.

He further stated that pilgrims offering prayers anywhere within the boundaries of Haram during overcrowded days would receive the reward equivalent to one hundred thousand prayers, underscoring the spiritual significance of worship in the holy sanctuaries.

A resolution adopted at the gathering paid tribute to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its services to Islam and Muslims, particularly for the facilities and reforms introduced for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

The resolution stated that scholars from all schools of thought in Pakistan, religious and political leaders, Hajj organizers, and participants fully support Saudi Arabia’s Hajj policies and reaffirmed that pilgrims, organizers, and governments, including Pakistan, are bound to implement and follow the Kingdom’s Hajj regulations.