A Comparative Analysis of Hanafi and Wahhabi Views on the Legitimacy of Pilgrimage Travel

The Hanafis, relying on Qur’anic verses, ahadith, the practice of the Companions, and consensus (ijma‘), consider pilgrimage travel (safar ziyarati) a recommended and meritorious act, even describing it as nearly obligatory. In contrast, Wahhabis, based on a particular interpretation of the hadith “lā tushaddu al-rihāl illā ilā thalāthati masājid” (“No journey should be undertaken except to three mosques”) and their claim of the absence of any sound text, classify such travel as an innovation (bid‘ah) and forbidden.An examination of the evidence of both sides shows that the Hanafi position is supported by stronger jurisprudential and rational arguments, while the Wahhabi reasoning faces serious criticism. Numerous authentic narrations affirm pilgrimage travel and establish its practice during the era of the Salaf, proving that it is not an innovation. Furthermore, the narration cited by Wahhabis does not substantiate their claim, as it refers specifically to mosques and has no relevance to the issue of visiting graves.