Hajj Pilgrimage

Oman has announced that Hajj 2026 registration will open from September 23 to October 8, 2025. Here’s a complete guide on eligibility, application process, and key deadlines for pilgrims.

A guide to Nusuk Umrah: All about Saudi Arabia’s one-stop digital service for Hajj pilgrims

The launch of Nusuk Umrah is tied to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to make religious travel more efficient while strengthening the country’s role as a global religious and cultural hub.

Saudi Arabia blocks over 269,000 Muslims from entering Mecca, cites overcrowding and heat risks

Officials have also imposed penalties on more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licenses of 400 Hajj companies.

Hundreds died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say

Saudi Arabia has not commented on the death toll amid the heat during the pilgrimage, required of every able Muslim once in their life, nor offered any causes for those who died.

Hajj 2024: Extreme heat kills at least 550, mostly Egyptian pilgrims

Other countries, including Indonesia, Iran, and Senegal, have also reported deaths during this year's hajj. However, most nations have not detailed the causes of these fatalities.

In pics: Millions of pilgrims attend annual Hajj pilgrimage — five things to know

During the annual rituals which are likely to surpass attendance records, more than two million devotees from 160 nations are likely to visit Islam's holiest venue.

Resumption of Haj brings joy and sorrow for Indonesians

Two years of coronavirus, a lower quota of pilgrims from Indonesia and an age limit of 65 have ruled out Haj for many Indonesians, leaving them disappointed

Saudi Arabia welcomes one million for biggest hajj pilgrimage since pandemic

One million people, including 850,000 from abroad, are allowed at this year's hajj after two years of drastically curtailed numbers due to the pandemic. The pilgrimage is one of five pillars of Islam, which all able-bodied Muslims with the means are required to perform at least once.

Egypt family keeps alive tradition behind Haj centrepiece

A ceremonial hanging of the kiswa, huge pieces of black silk embroidered with gold patterns, over the cubic structure that is the centrepiece of the Grand Mosque symbolises the launch of the annual Haj pilgrimage, which starts this week

First batch of pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir leaves for Hajj

About 6,000 pilgrims from the union territory are scheduled to undertake the pilgrimage this year, according to officials

Hajj pilgrims maintain perfect social distancing while circumambulating Kaaba; leave netizens astounded

The number of pilgrims visiting Mecca and Medina annually was reduced from two and a half million to 10,000 this year to ensure there is no overcrowding at the holy site amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In pics | A few hundred pilgrims reach Mecca for downsized hajj amid COVID-19 fears

For the first time in the history of Saudi Arabia, no pilgrims from abroad are permitted to take part in the hajj due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Pilgrims move several feet apart as they keep social distancing to limit exposure and the potential transmission of the novel COVID-19 at the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca.

Saudi Arabia: Hajj will see at most 'thousands' due to coronavirus

While the decision to drastically curb this year's hajj was largely expected, it remains unprecedented in Saudi Arabia's nearly 90-year history and effectively bars all Muslims from outside the kingdom from travelling there to performing the pilgrimage.