Hajj Subsidy by the Government: A Research Study on the Shariah Ruling and the Opinion of the Council of Islamic Ideology

حكومت كی طرف سے حج سبسڈی ،شرعی حكم اور اسلامی نظریاتی كونسل كی رائے تحقیقی مطالعہ

Abstract

During the Hajj season, issues such as the rising cost of Hajj, the devaluation of the Pakistani currency, the Hajj quota, performing Hajj under the government scheme, and through private tour operators, often become the focus of media attention. Alongside these, another important issue also comes under discussion: whether it is permissible under Islamic law for the government to provide financial assistance or any form of concession to pilgrims—which is commonly referred to as a subsidy. As soon as this topic arises, scholars begin to express their views according to their understanding. Some scholars take the position that such a subsidy is not permissible, while others prefer the viewpoint that it is allowed, based on Islamic legal evidence. In Pakistan, there is an important constitutional body called the Council of Islamic Ideology, which comprises esteemed scholars from across the country, ensuring representation from various schools of thought. This institution deliberates collectively to form an opinion, effectively acting as a modern platform for collective ijtihad. On this significant issue, the Council has also conducted its own deliberations and reached a conclusion. This paper aims to present a research-based study of the Council's opinion, so that its scholarly dimensions can be analyzed.