Pilgrims arrive in Mecca for downsized hajj amid pandemic
4 years, 4 months ago

Pilgrims arrive in Mecca for downsized hajj amid pandemic

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Muslim pilgrims have started arriving in Mecca for a drastically scaled-down hajj, as Saudi authorities balance the kingdom’s oversight of one of Islam’s key pillars and the safety of visitors in the face of a global pandemic. The hajj, which begins on Wednesday, normally draws around 2.5 million people for five intense days of worship in one of the world’s largest gatherings of people from around the world. This year, Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Ministry has said between 1,000 and 10,000 people already residing in the kingdom will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage. Saudi kings have for generations assumed titles as custodians of Islam’s holiest sites, and their oversight of the hajj is a source of prestige and influence among Muslims globally.

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History of this topic

What went wrong with the Hajj pilgrimage this year? | Explained
5 months, 2 weeks ago

What went wrong with the Hajj pilgrimage this year? | Explained

The Hindu  

The story so far: Hajj, a gathering of nearly two million Muslim pilgrims, which falls in the last month of the Islamic calendar, has been in news again. The authorities issued Hajj visas to a little more than 18 lakh people but the Hajj was undertaken by over two million pilgrims. The Saudi authorities insisted that most pilgrims with valid …

Hajj: Deadly heatwaves kill over 1300 Muslims during holy pilgrimage, Saudi accuses travel agencies for deaths
6 months ago

Hajj: Deadly heatwaves kill over 1300 Muslims during holy pilgrimage, Saudi accuses travel agencies for deaths

India TV News  

Cairo: The burnt of extreme climate change has taken the lives of more than 1,300 people during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform the Hajj rituals in and around the holy city of Mecca. …

Saudi says 1,301 deaths occurred during hajj, mostly unregistered pilgrims
6 months ago

Saudi says 1,301 deaths occurred during hajj, mostly unregistered pilgrims

Hindustan Times  

Saudi Arabia said Sunday that more than 1,300 faithful died during the hajj pilgrimage which took place during intense heat, and that most of the deceased did not have official permits. Medical team members evacuate a Muslim pilgrim, affected by the soarching heat, at the base of Mount Arafat during the annual hajj pilgrimage "Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached …

Death toll at Hajj pilgrimage rises to 1,300 amid scorching temperatures
6 months ago

Death toll at Hajj pilgrimage rises to 1,300 amid scorching temperatures

LA Times  

Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, on Monday during the annual Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, Saudi authorities said Sunday. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel …

Muslim pilgrims converge at Mount Arafat for daylong worship as Hajj reaches its peak
6 months, 1 week ago

Muslim pilgrims converge at Mount Arafat for daylong worship as Hajj reaches its peak

Associated Press  

MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia — Following the footsteps of prophets beneath a burning sun, more than 1.83 million Muslims from around the world congregated Saturday at a sacred hill in Saudi Arabia for worship and reflection amid a sweltering heat. Muslim pilgrims rest at the Mina tent camp during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi …

Hajj 2024: In Mecca’s sweltering heat, Muslims start this year’s Hajj pilgrimage
6 months, 1 week ago

Hajj 2024: In Mecca’s sweltering heat, Muslims start this year’s Hajj pilgrimage

The Hindu  

In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims in Mecca converged on a vast tent camp in the desert on June 14, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage. More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world have already amassed in and around Mecca for the Hajj, and the number was still growing as more pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia joined. “They deprived …

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the devastating Israel-Hamas war
6 months, 1 week ago

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the devastating Israel-Hamas war

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims in the Saudi city of Mecca converged on a vast desert tent camp Friday, officially starting the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Muslim pilgrims arrive at the Mina tent camp during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday, June 14, 2024. Pilgrims leave after offering prayers outside …

In Mecca's sweltering heat, Muslims start this year's Hajj pilgrimage
6 months, 1 week ago

In Mecca's sweltering heat, Muslims start this year's Hajj pilgrimage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims …

Millions start Hajj in shadow of Israel’s war on Gaza
6 months, 1 week ago

Millions start Hajj in shadow of Israel’s war on Gaza

Al Jazeera  

Rituals expected to draw more than two million pilgrims this year, praying for peace in Gaza, Yemen and Sudan. More than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims have gathered in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca for the start of Hajj, taking place this year against the harrowing backdrop of Israel’s continued onslaught on the Gaza Strip. The annual pilgrimage began on Friday with crowds …

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the destructive Israel-Hamas war
6 months, 1 week ago

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the destructive Israel-Hamas war

New Indian Express  

SAUDI ARABIA: In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims in Mecca converged on a vast tent camp in the desert on Friday, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage. More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world have already amassed in and around Mecca for the Hajj, and the number was still growing as more pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia joined. This …

Masses of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia circle the Kaaba ahead of the official beginning of the Hajj
6 months, 1 week ago

Masses of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia circle the Kaaba ahead of the official beginning of the Hajj

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Masses of Muslim pilgrims in the Saudi city of Mecca on Thursday circled the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, a day before heading to the nearby desert area of Mina to officially open the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage that takes the faithful along a route taken by the Prophet Muhammad. The area around the Grand Mosque …

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Muslims Reach Saudi Arabia’s Mecca For Annual Hajj
6 months, 1 week ago

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Muslims Reach Saudi Arabia’s Mecca For Annual Hajj

News 18  

Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca ahead of the start of the Hajj later this week, as the annual pilgrimage returns to its monumental scale. Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the country by Tuesday, the vast majority by air, from across the world. Saudi officials have said …

Hajj 2024: More than 1.5 million foreign Muslims arrive in Mecca
6 months, 1 week ago

Hajj 2024: More than 1.5 million foreign Muslims arrive in Mecca

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca ahead of the start of the Hajj later this week, as the annual pilgrimage returns to its monumental scale. Muslim pilgrims arrive to offer prayers at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Muslim pilgrims …

What’s the Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, and why is it significant for Muslims?
6 months, 2 weeks ago

What’s the Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, and why is it significant for Muslims?

Associated Press  

Once a year, Muslim pilgrims flowing into Saudi Arabia unite in a series of religious rituals and acts of worship as they perform the Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam. Communally, Hajj unites Muslims of diverse races, ethnicities, languages and economic classes from around the world in performing religious rituals and acts of worshipping God at the same time …

This year’s Hajj was held in sweltering heat, and for those serving pilgrims there was little relief
1 year, 5 months ago

This year’s Hajj was held in sweltering heat, and for those serving pilgrims there was little relief

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — As hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims walked in the footsteps of the prophets beneath a sweltering sun, contracted cleaners in lime-green jumpsuits held out matching plastic bags to collect their empty water bottles. It takes tens of thousands of cleaners, security personnel, medics and others to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage possible for 1.8 million …

Muslims at Hajj pilgrimage brave intense heat to cast stones at pillars representing the devil
1 year, 5 months ago

Muslims at Hajj pilgrimage brave intense heat to cast stones at pillars representing the devil

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hundreds of thousands of Muslim …

Muslims at Hajj brave intense heat to cast stones at pillars representing the devil
1 year, 5 months ago

Muslims at Hajj brave intense heat to cast stones at pillars representing the devil

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims on Wednesday braved intense heat to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. With morning temperatures rising past 42 degrees Celsius, huge crowds of pilgrims walked or took buses to the vast Jamarat complex just outside the holy city of Mecca, where large …

2 million pilgrims expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage
1 year, 5 months ago

2 million pilgrims expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage

Hindustan Times  

2 million pilgrims expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage Muslim pilgrims in Mecca circled the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage on Monday.. 1 / 8 View Photos in a new improved layout Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, …

Hajj returns to maximum capacity after coronavirus pandemic
1 year, 5 months ago

Hajj returns to maximum capacity after coronavirus pandemic

Al Jazeera  

Muslim pilgrims in Mecca circled the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, and then converged on a vast tent camp in the nearby desert, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage, returning to its maximum capacity for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. So far, more than 1.8 million pilgrims from all over the world have already amassed in and around Mecca …

Who gets to do Hajj in Saudi Arabia?
1 year, 5 months ago

Who gets to do Hajj in Saudi Arabia?

Hindustan Times  

The Hajj, a religious pilgrimage for Muslims and one of the largest gatherings of humans on Earth, begins in Saudi Arabia on June 26 and ends July 1. Almost 1.5 million pilgrims are already in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj. However, there are around 2 billion Muslims around the world and given the numbers involved, it would be impossible …

‘Largest Hajj pilgrimage in history’ begins in Saudi Arabia
1 year, 5 months ago

‘Largest Hajj pilgrimage in history’ begins in Saudi Arabia

Al Jazeera  

The number of pilgrims this year is expected to break records at more than 2.5 million. The pilgrimage of Hajj has begun as crowds of Muslims donning white robes circle the Kaaba, the cubed structure at the epicentre of Islam’s holiest site, their prayers ringing through the air. The annual pilgrimage began on Sunday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia with the …

Inflation and economic crises strain pilgrims in this year’s Hajj, putting it out of reach for some
1 year, 6 months ago

Inflation and economic crises strain pilgrims in this year’s Hajj, putting it out of reach for some

Associated Press  

CAIRO — Saudi Arabia is hosting its biggest Hajj pilgrimage in three years, starting Monday. With people balking at the costs, a few countries struggled to fill their quota of pilgrims this year, a startling sign when demand usually outstrips the supply of pilgrimage spots many times over. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia barred foreign pilgrims in 2020 …

Global economic crises put this year’s Hajj out of reach for some pilgrims
1 year, 6 months ago

Global economic crises put this year’s Hajj out of reach for some pilgrims

LA Times  

A pilgrim buys a money belt at a Hajj training center in Karachi, Pakistan, on Monday. But for many pilgrims and others who couldn’t make it, global inflation and economic crises made it more of a strain to carry out Islam’s spiritual trip of a lifetime. But for many pilgrims, and for many others who couldn’t make it, global inflation …

Ambitious Saudi plans to ramp up Hajj could face challenges from climate change
1 year, 6 months ago

Ambitious Saudi plans to ramp up Hajj could face challenges from climate change

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to welcome millions more pilgrims to Islam’s holiest sites. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s wide-ranging plan to overhaul the kingdom’s economy, known as Vision 2030, 30 million pilgrims would take part in the Hajj and Umrah — a smaller, year-round pilgrimage. A 2019 study by experts at the Massachusetts Institute …

From war-torn northern Syria to Mecca for Hajj
1 year, 6 months ago

From war-torn northern Syria to Mecca for Hajj

Al Jazeera  

Idlib, Syria – Pilgrims from northwestern Syria have streamed through border crossings with Turkey – Bab al-Hawa, Bab al-Salamah, and Tel Abyad – heading to Gaziantep’s airport to board flights to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj. The Bab al-Hawa administration started receiving pilgrims at the departure lounge on June 15, where their documents are verified, bags are inspected, and …

Hajj pilgrimage to be more affordable as govt set to reduce its prices I CHECK DETAILS
1 year, 10 months ago

Hajj pilgrimage to be more affordable as govt set to reduce its prices I CHECK DETAILS

India TV News  

In a major respite to the devotees planning for Hajj pilgrims, the Government of India is likely to decrease the cost of the pilgrimage significantly this year. Besides, the sources claimed that the application for the Hajj pilgrimage will also be free this year. This time the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage will be cheaper by about Rs 50,000 per …

Saudi Arabia removes restrictions for Hajj pilgrims - Here’s what has changed
1 year, 11 months ago

Saudi Arabia removes restrictions for Hajj pilgrims - Here’s what has changed

Live Mint  

Saudi Arabia has announced a host of changes for Hajj pilgrims that is likely to increase the visitors' tally significantly. “Number of Hajj pilgrims in 1444H will return to how it was before the Coronavirus pandemic without age restrictions,” the Ministry's official Twitter handle quoted him as saying during the opening of Hajj Expo 2023. Details available on India's official …

Hajj 2022: 47,114 Indian Pilgrims Reach Saudi Arabia, 44,624 in Mecca, 2,486 in Madina
2 years, 5 months ago

Hajj 2022: 47,114 Indian Pilgrims Reach Saudi Arabia, 44,624 in Mecca, 2,486 in Madina

News 18  

Through 168 special flights, a total of 47,114 Indian pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia for Hajj, 44,624 are in Mecca and 2,486 have arrived in Madina, Javeed Kalangade, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Central Hajj Committee of India, told News18. A statement issued by the Hajj Ministry of Saudi Arabia claimed that 2,66,000 Hajj pilgrims had reached Mecca and …

Haj pilgrims from TS left in lurch
2 years, 5 months ago

Haj pilgrims from TS left in lurch

Deccan Chronicle  

Hyderabad: A section of Haj pilgrims from the state took to social media to hit out at authorities over an array of issues, ranging from inconveniences during flights to lack of amenities at the hotel they are being accommodated in. Pilgrims of one of the batches sent from the state said that there is one washing machine and one fridge …

Saudi Arabia to allow one million hajj pilgrims, both foreign and domestic, this year
2 years, 8 months ago

Saudi Arabia to allow one million hajj pilgrims, both foreign and domestic, this year

Firstpost  

Those coming from outside Saudi Arabia will be required to submit a negative Covid-19 PCR result from a test taken within 72 hours of travel. Riyadh: Saudi Arabia said Saturday it will permit one million Muslims from inside and outside the country to participate in this year’s hajj, a sharp uptick after pandemic restrictions forced two years of drastically pared-down …

With pandemic in mind, pared-back hajj in Mecca for 2nd year
3 years, 5 months ago

With pandemic in mind, pared-back hajj in Mecca for 2nd year

India TV News  

Tens of thousands of vaccinated Muslim pilgrims circled Islam’s holiest site in Mecca on Sunday, but remained socially distanced and wore masks as the coronavirus takes its toll on the hajj for a second year running. This year, 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia have been allowed to perform the hajj due to continued concerns around the …

Saudi Arabia says hajj to be limited to 60,000 in kingdom
3 years, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabia says hajj to be limited to 60,000 in kingdom

India TV News  

Saudi Arabia announced Saturday this year’s hajj pilgrimage will be limited to no more than 60,000 people, all of them from within the kingdom, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. A statement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency quoted the kingdom’s Hajj and Umrah Ministry making the announcement. “The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is honored to host pilgrims every …

Saudi Arabia bars foreigners from hajj due to COVID, allows only 60,000 pilgrims from kingdom
3 years, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabia bars foreigners from hajj due to COVID, allows only 60,000 pilgrims from kingdom

Firstpost  

Saudi Arabia said this year’s hajj, which will begin in mid-July, will also be limited to those ages 18 to 65, and vaccination is compulsory Dubai: Saudi Arabia announced Saturday this year’s hajj pilgrimage will be limited to no more than 60,000 people, all of them from within the kingdom, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. A statement on the …

Indonesia cancels Islamic hajj pilgrimage to Mecca for second year over COVID-19 concerns
3 years, 6 months ago

Indonesia cancels Islamic hajj pilgrimage to Mecca for second year over COVID-19 concerns

ABC  

Dalam Bahasa Indonesia Citra Remi has been waiting for more than seven years to pursue her dream of performing hajj. Key points: Indonesia says the cancellation is "for the safety of the pilgrims" Indonesians are usually the largest group to travel to Saudi Arabia for hajj, which pre-pandemic attracted more than 2 million people Some Indonesians wait up to 20 …

Hajj 2021: Terms and Conditions for Hajj Pilgrims
3 years, 6 months ago

Hajj 2021: Terms and Conditions for Hajj Pilgrims

News 18  

Saudi Arabia is all set for Hajj 2021. Hajj pilgrimage comes under the jurisdiction of Saudi Arabia. In Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur media reported that those selected for Haj this year, will be given Pfizer-BioTech and AstraZeneca vaccines as they have been approved by Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims must have completed both doses of covid vaccine before starting for Hajj and pilgrims …

Scaled-down Hajj begins with social distancing measures; pilgrims tested for COVID-19, given special attire
4 years, 4 months ago

Scaled-down Hajj begins with social distancing measures; pilgrims tested for COVID-19, given special attire

Firstpost  

The 1,000 pilgrims selected for Hajj this year were seen standing apart and moving in small groups of 20 Dubai: Muslim pilgrims, donning face masks and moving in small groups after days in isolation, began arriving at Islam’s holiest site in Mecca on Wednesday for the start of a historically unique and scaled-down hajj experience reshaped by the coronavirus pandemic. …

Scaled down hajj begins with just 1,000 pilgrims – instead of 2.5 million
4 years, 4 months ago

Scaled down hajj begins with just 1,000 pilgrims – instead of 2.5 million

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Muslim pilgrims wearing face masks …

Very different, symbolic hajj in Saudi Arabia amid virus
4 years, 4 months ago

Very different, symbolic hajj in Saudi Arabia amid virus

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Muslim pilgrims, donning face masks and moving in small groups after days in isolation, began arriving at Islam’s holiest site in Mecca on Wednesday for the start of a historically unique and scaled-down hajj experience reshaped by the coronavirus pandemic. “They have taken every possible precaution.” For the first time in Saudi history, the government …

Muslims begin downsized Hajj pilgrimage amid coronavirus pandemic
4 years, 4 months ago

Muslims begin downsized Hajj pilgrimage amid coronavirus pandemic

Al Jazeera  

Up to 10,000 mask-clad Muslims begin the scaled back five-day pilgrimage as Saudi hosts try to prevent virus outbreak. But this year, only up to 10,000 people already residing in Saudi Arabia will participate in the five-day pilgrimage, a tiny fraction of the 2.5 million pilgrims from around the world that attended last year. “There are no security-related concerns in …

COVID-19: In a First, Grand Hajj Symposium Held Virtually
4 years, 4 months ago

COVID-19: In a First, Grand Hajj Symposium Held Virtually

The Quint  

According to information shared by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media, the pilgrimage this year is limited to citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia, who meet preset conditions and have been subjected to quarantine procedures. The number of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj has been dramatically reduced to ensure social distancing measures are adhered to. Dr. Muhammad Saleh bin Taher Benten, …

Saudi Arabia Gears Up for Downsized Hajj as Covid-19 Pandemic Bars Millions from Attending Pilgrimage
4 years, 4 months ago

Saudi Arabia Gears Up for Downsized Hajj as Covid-19 Pandemic Bars Millions from Attending Pilgrimage

News 18  

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday begins hosting the annual hajj pilgrimage, dramatically downscaled due to the coronavirus pandemic that has barred millions of international pilgrims for the first time in modern history. The foreign press are barred from this year's hajj, usually a huge global media event, as the government tightens access to the holy city of Mecca and puts in …

Saudi Arabia announces Haj restrictions
4 years, 5 months ago

Saudi Arabia announces Haj restrictions

India TV News  

Saudi Arabia on Monday announced a series of measures to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus during the annual Haj pilgrimage scheduled to take place later this month. Monday's development came as Saudi Arabia reported a total of 209,509 COVID-19 cases, while the death toll stands at 1,916. Last month, Saudi Arabia had announced that due to the …

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