Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims not to sleep in corridors during Hajj
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
Second phase of submitting Hajj applications kicks off
The second phase of receiving Hajj applications has begun. The aspiring pilgrims can submit their applications through the Ministry of Religious Affairs' online portal and designated banks till Saturday. In the second phase, unregistered intending pilgrims can also submit their applications. Overseas Pakistanis too can apply for Hajj through designated banks via a close relative, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Those living abroad will be required to submit their medical fitness certificates upon arrival in Pakistan. Hajj Policy 2026 Giving details of the Hajj Policy 2026 in Islamabad on July 30, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf had said Pakistan's Hajj quota for 2026 was 179,210 however, the final announcement in this respect would be made by the Saudi Arabian authorities. Minister Yousaf had said quota for the government scheme was 119,210 while a quota of 60,000 had been allocated for the private Hajj scheme. Hajj 2026 applications open on Monday 'Two packages including the long package of 38-42 days and the short one of 20-25 days will be provided for the government Hajj scheme. Children below 12 will not be allowed to perform Hajj this year,' he had said. The minister had said estimated package of the Government Hajj Scheme will be between Rs1.15 million to Rs1.25 million, subject to final approval of agreements with service providers. He said overseas Hajj pilgrims can send their Hajj money to the designated bank accounts given under the Government Hajj Scheme. It will be mandatory to get vaccinated as approved by Saudi Arabia. The 'Route to Mecca' facility will continue at Islamabad and Karachi airports. The monitoring team of the Ministry of Religious Affairs will monitor the overall performance of Hajj operations to improve the quality of services. There will be a complete and transparent grievance redressal system that will deal with complaints in a timely and fair manner. The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage that millions of Muslims make to Makkah with the intention of performing religious rites as taught by Prophet Mohammad (SAWW) to his followers 14 centuries ago. The Hajj begins in the 12th month of the Islamic year, which is lunar, not solar, meaning the Hajj and the fasting month of Ramadan fall at different times of the solar calendar each year. Eid al-Adha, one of Islam's two main festivals, marks the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, when Muslims slaughter animals — to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim, or Abraham, to sacrifice his son on God's command — often distributing meat to the poor.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Over 71,000 apply in first phase of govt Hajj scheme
The first phase of applications for the Government Hajj Scheme 2026 has been completed, with more than 71,000 pilgrims submitting their applications along with the first instalment of the fee amounting to Rs500,000. According to officials, the initial phase was open exclusively to those who had already registered for Hajj, while the second phase, set to commence on August 11 (Monday), will allow both registered and unregistered pilgrims to submit their applications. The second phase will continue until August 16, with applications accepted alongside the payment of the first instalment of expenses. In this phase, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. It is expected that over 116,000 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj this year under the government quota. Applicants who submit their applications along with the fee early will secure their chance, as the submission of applications will be closed once the quota is filled. According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, overseas Pakistanis may also apply for Hajj through close relatives at the designated banks. Medical fitness certificates for overseas applicants will be submitted upon their arrival in Pakistan. The ministry has said that once the quota is complete, the process of receiving Hajj applications will be officially halted.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Second phase of Hajj 2026 applications to begin on August 11
Ministry of Religious Affairs has completed the first phase of receiving applications under the 2026 government Hajj scheme, with more than 71,000 submissions, officials said on Saturday. The ministry said the first phase was open only to applicants who had already registered for the pilgrimage. Each applicant submitted the first instalment of Rs500,000 along with their application. The second phase will begin on August 11 and run until August 16, during which both registered and unregistered pilgrims will be able to apply. Applications in this phase will be accepted on a 'first come, first served' basis. Officials said more than 116,000 Pakistanis will perform Hajj next year under the government quota. Those who submit applications with the first instalment before the quota is filled will secure a spot, while the process will be halted once the limit is reached. Overseas Pakistanis can also apply through a close relative at designated banks, the ministry's spokesperson said. Medical fitness certificates for applicants abroad can be submitted upon arrival in Pakistan. The ministry said it will announce the suspension of applications as soon as the quota is met. It is pertinent to mention here that Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said last week that Pakistan has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims — 119,210 under the government scheme and 60,000 for private operators — subject to final confirmation by Saudi authorities. The government scheme will include both the traditional 38-42 day package and a shorter 20-25 day option. Estimated costs are expected to range between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million, depending on final agreements with service providers. Read More: Hajj 2026 deadline extended Pilgrims will be required to deposit Hajj dues in two installments, with the first installment — Rs500,000 for the long package and Rs550,000 for the short one through designated banks, he added. Minister Yousaf said applicants must hold valid Pakistani passports until at least November 26, 2026, and children under 12 years of age will not be eligible for Hajj this year. He said all pilgrims must be vaccinated with Saudi-approved vaccines. He said the 'Road to Makkah' initiative will continue at Islamabad and Karachi airports. He said overseas Pakistanis will be allowed to remit Hajj payments to nominated bank accounts under the scheme. The policy mandates compulsory animal sacrifice payments through the official Saudi system, he added.
