Hyderabad, April 27 -- Ahead of the upcoming Haj season, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Council of Senior Scholars has confirmed that going for Haj without obtaining a permit is not permissible.

The council's statement was issued following a presentation by Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Haj and Umrah, and General Authority for the Care of Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque affairs.

In a statement, the council mandates obtaining a permit to adhere to Sharia law, facilitate Haj, and protect the sanctity of Holy Sites, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Performing Haj without a permit is deemed a sin, according to the council's interpretation.

The council states that government agencies responsible for organizing the Haj season cre...