Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims not to sleep in corridors during Hajj

Express Tribune

18-05-2025

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As millions of Muslims begin arriving in Makkah for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a warning to pilgrims, advising them not to sleep or lie down in corridors, aisles, and passageways within the holy sites.
The ministry on Sunday, while issuing warning to pilgrims, emphasised that the directive is critical for ensuring the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims during the rituals. 'Respecting the allocated spaces contributes to a smoother flow of movement and reduces risks during the busiest moments of Hajj,' the ministry said in a statement.
Authorities noted that lying down in crowded areas such as courtyards and passageways creates dangerous bottlenecks, obstructs worshippers, and hampers the ability of emergency teams to respond to critical situations promptly.
Read More: Saudi Arabia launches smart guide for pilgrims
Pilgrims are instead urged to rest only in designated areas, including tents and hotel accommodations. 'This behaviour intensifies overcrowding, increasing the risk to public safety,' the ministry added.
Hajj is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9 this year, depending on the lunar calendar. Pilgrims have already begun arriving in Saudi Arabia ahead of the pilgrimage, which is expected to draw millions from across the globe.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that Hajj 2025 is expected to break previous attendance records, with projections indicating more than 2.5 million pilgrims from across the globe — a notable rise compared to recent years.
Officials said preparations are in full swing to manage what is likely to be the final pilgrimage held during the intense summer heat, ahead of the long-anticipated shift to cooler seasons.
Read More: No summer Hajj for next 16 years, Saudi Arabia announces
To assist the pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has also launched an electronic guide in six languages. The "Smart Book of Hajj Rituals" is available in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Malayalam, and Turkish.
The guide can be accessed via electronic libraries in mosques and on board flights operated by Saudi Arabia's national carrier, Saudia. The initiative aims to educate pilgrims about the rules and rituals of Hajj.
Last month, Pakistan formally commenced its Hajj flight operations for 2025, with the first batch of 442 pilgrims departing from Islamabad to Madinah under the Makkah Route Initiative.
The 33-day operation will see over 89,000 pilgrims travel under the government's Hajj scheme, with a total of 342 flights scheduled. The final flight is expected to depart on May 31.
Read More: Pakistan kicks off Hajj 2025 operations as first flight departs from Islamabad
This year, around 89,000 Pakistanis will perform Hajj under the government scheme, while another 23,620 are expected to travel through private tour operators.
Approximately 50,500 Pakistani pilgrims will benefit from Saudi Arabia's Makkah Route Initiative, which streamlines immigration procedures by allowing travellers to complete their clearance at home airports before departing.