Government Urges Hajj Pilgrims to Adhere to Regulations
Embarking on the sacred journey of Hajj this year comes with a stern reminder from the government to all Muslims to be mindful of the guidelines and regulations in place to protect the well-being of all.
The most crucial step before setting off on the pilgrimage is obtaining a Hajj permit, a requirement for citizens, residents, and visitors alike. Failure to have a valid permit can lead to substantial fines and even deportation for expatriates.
Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah launched the “Pilgrimage Without A Permit” campaign with the Ministry of Interior in a recent press conference in Riyadh. The minister stressed the importance of pilgrims adhering to the regulations and cooperating with the authorities.
Dress Code and Regulations
An awareness campaign has been launched in 20 countries to warn of the penalties for violating Hajj regulations, including attempting to perform the pilgrimage using tourist visas.
Pilgrims are expected to dress modestly and respectfully while at the holy sites, not only as a matter of following the rules but also as a show of reverence for the sanctity of the occasion. In the past, fines have been imposed on pilgrims for not adhering to the prescribed dress code.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais emphasized the importance of pilgrims adhering to the proper dress code, with men required to wear two unstitched, undecorated white garments known as izaar and rida’.
Women must wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the entire body except the face and hands, free of decorations. They are not obliged to wear the izaar and rida’, but their attire should adhere to the guidelines.
Other Regulations and Safety Measures
During the Hajj, pilgrims must also avoid contravening crowd-safety regulations and follow the designated routes outlined by the authorities. Severe penalties await those who bring drugs, alcohol or weapons into the holy sites.
To combat criminals posing as tour operators and individuals attempting to enter Makkah without proper visas, pilgrims are urged to report any suspicious activities by calling 911 in the Makkah region.
Director of Public Security Mohammed Al-Bassami emphasized the government’s crackdown on fake companies and violators attempting to exploit tourism visas for Hajj purposes. Respect for the Kingdom’s policies and regulations is paramount, as no one will escape punishment for breaking the rules.