12/05/2026
Circular
His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, issued today a directive to Friday mosque khatibs across all regions of the Kingdom to dedicate next Friday’s sermon, dated 28/11/1447 AH, to discussing guidance related to Hajj. This includes clarifying the pilgrims’ obligation to comply with regulations and instructions, adhere to health guidelines, and uphold proper Islamic manners, according to the following themes:
1.Explaining the significance of Hajj as one of the great pillars and rituals of Islam, emphasizing sincerity to Allah in performing it, and encouraging adherence to the Sunnah in its observance, Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“O people, learn your rituals from me.”
It should also be clarified that Hajj is obligatory only for those who are able to perform it. Allah Almighty says:
“And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind for whoever is able to find thereto a way.”
Shariah is based on ease and the removal of hardship, so those who are unable should not burden themselves beyond their capacity. Allah says:
“Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity”
and:
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.”
2.Stressing the obligation to comply with instructions issued by official authorities participating in the organization of Hajj, including security and service agencies, as this serves the public interest, protects lives, and facilitates the performance of rituals. This includes refraining from performing Hajj without an official permit, as doing so constitutes disobedience to the ruler’s directives, harms other pilgrims, and endangers lives. Allah Almighty says:
“O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you”
It should also be clarified that violating Hajj regulations leads to harm and disorder. Allah says:
“And do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”
Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm.”
3.Reminding people to pray for the leaders of this blessed country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who have generously devoted valuable resources to serving the Two Holy Mosques and Alruhman Guests. The sermon should highlight the continuous development of Hajj services, major expansions in projects and infrastructure, the use of modern technologies, precise crowd management, and improvements in health, security, and guidance services, all of which help pilgrims perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind. This comes under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the supervision of His Royal Highness Crown Prince, Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may Allah protect them- . Pilgrims should also be encouraged to use their Hajj as an opportunity to pray for this blessed country, the guardian of the Two Holy Mosques, for its security personnel, and for all those serving pilgrims and facilitating their Hajj, as well as praying for all Muslim countries for safety, security, stability, and prosperity.
4.Advising those intending to perform Hajj to take necessary health and preventive measures to protect themselves. This includes receiving recommended vaccinations before traveling for Hajj, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight and taking protective measures against it, drinking sufficient water, and adhering to health guidelines issued by competent authorities. It should also be clarified that preserving life is one of the objectives of Islamic law. Allah says: “And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful”
and: “and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction ”
5.Encouraging pilgrims to maintain calmness and gentleness in the holy sites and on the roads, avoid crowding and exposing themselves or others to danger, comply with crowd movement regulations and designated routes, and embody patience, forbearance, and good manners while respecting the rights of others. Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that during his pilgrimage, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would say:
“O people, tranquil be tranquil”
Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe.”
6.Calling on pilgrims to make the most of the days of Hajj through remembrance of Allah and acts of worship, increasing in Talbiyah, supplication, and recitation of Quran, while avoiding idle talk and anything unbeneficial. Allah Almighty says:
“There is to be no sexual relations, no disobedience, and no disputing during Hajj,” and:“That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days.”
7.Clarifying that raising political or other slogans is not permissible during Hajj, and that the pilgrim's duty is to raise no slogan other than the Talbiyah to Allah Almighty. On the authority of Zayd ibn Khalid al-Juhani (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Jibreel came to me and said: ‘O Muhammad, instruct your companions to raise their voices in Talbiyah, for it is among the symbols of Hajj’” On the authority of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), he said: “The adornment of Hajj is the Talbiyah.” And on the authority of Mujahid (may Allah have mercy on him), he said: “The symbol of Hajj is the Talbiyah.”
8.Reminding operators of Hajj service campaigns that they are obligated to exert their utmost efforts in providing the best services to Alruhman Guests, caring for them, fulfilling their rights, honoring agreements and commitments, facilitating the performance of rituals, and demonstrating honesty and sincerity. It should be emphasized that this is both a religious and legal duty upon them. Allah Almighty says: “O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts,”
and: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due”
The directive issued by His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif Al Al sheikh, comes in recognition of the significant impact Friday sermons have in educating, guiding, and advising pilgrims toward what benefits both their religious and worldly affairs. It also comes in light of the approaching Hajj season and the need to remind Muslims of the greatness of this sacred ritual, while clarifying its rulings, etiquettes, and religious, health, and regulatory guidelines. Adhering to these instructions contributes to the protection of lives, the achievement of public interests, and assists pilgrims in performing their rituals with tranquility and ease.