The pilgrimage of Hajj holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide, symbolizing spiritual devotion and unity. However, the Hajj in 2025 policy introduced by Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has sparked considerable debate by requiring women to secure parental or spousal permission to undertake the sacred journey.
Despite Saudi Arabia’s progressive reforms allowing women to perform Hajj without a mahram (male guardian), Pakistan’s policy reflects a blend of tradition, societal norms, and religious interpretation.
The Hajj in 2025 Policy: Key Provisions and Requirements
Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs unveiled its Hajj Policy for 2025, stipulating that women can perform Hajj without a mahram under specific conditions.
Women must submit an affidavit declaring their parents or husbands have permitted them, affirming that they will travel with a group of reliable women and that there is no threat to their dignity. This policy diverges from Saudi Arabia’s decision in 2021, which allowed women worldwide to perform Hajj and Umrah without a male guardian.
Additionally, the policy outlines regulations affecting other groups of pilgrims. Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to participate in the pilgrimage, aligning with Saudi directives. For individuals with disabilities or special needs, an attendant is required to accompany them.
Read : More than 1,300 Hajj Pilgrims Die in 2024 Due to Extreme Heat
Furthermore, the policy reserves a hardship quota of 1,000 seats for cases such as broken families, mahrams for successful female applicants, and attendants for disabled persons.
Read : More than 300 Egyptians Die from Heat During Hajj Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
A strict adherence to legal protocols is also mandated, as individuals barred from traveling abroad by court orders are ineligible for Hajj. These measures reflect an attempt to balance religious obligations, logistical challenges, and societal norms, but they have also raised questions about personal autonomy and gender equality.
Religious Context and Historical Evolution
The debate surrounding the mahram requirement for women performing Hajj is deeply rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and cultural interpretations. Different schools of thought within Islam, such as Jafria, Maliki, and Shafi’i, permit women to perform Hajj without a mahram, provided they travel with trustworthy companions.
This view was reinforced by Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) in November 2023 when it approved Hajj for women without a mahram under specific conditions.
Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking announcement in 2021, allowing women to perform Hajj and Umrah without male guardians, marked a shift in traditional practices. It aimed to empower women and promote inclusivity in one of Islam’s central rites.
However, the 2025 policy in Pakistan appears to temper this progressive stride by reinstating parental or spousal approval, reflecting societal values and concerns about women’s safety.
Historically, the mahram rule emerged as a means to ensure women’s security during long and arduous journeys in the pre-modern era. With advancements in travel and the availability of organized group tours, many argue that the rule is no longer relevant. Others, however, view it as a safeguard rooted in religious tradition.
Social Implications and Public Reactions
The requirement for parental or spousal permission highlights the intersection of religion, societal norms, and women’s rights in Pakistan. Critics argue that such a mandate undermines women’s autonomy and reinforces patriarchal structures, particularly when Saudi Arabia itself has removed this restriction. Women who are financially independent and capable of managing their travel may view the policy as a regression rather than a reflection of progress.
Supporters of the policy, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of maintaining cultural and religious values, asserting that the conditions aim to protect women’s dignity and safety. They argue that the affidavit and group travel requirements provide necessary oversight, ensuring a harmonious pilgrimage experience.
The policy also raises questions about inclusivity and access. For women without living parents or a husband, or those estranged from their families, the affidavit requirement could become a significant hurdle. Similarly, families with disabled members may face logistical and financial challenges in meeting the attendant requirement.
Public reaction to the policy has been mixed, with some praising the attempt to ensure safety and others criticizing it for perpetuating gender inequality. Activists have called for more clarity and flexibility in the policy to address the diverse circumstances of potential pilgrims.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏