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Mint
2 days ago
- Mint
Hajj 2025 concludes: Saudi Arabia to resume issuing Umrah visas from today
Saudi Arabia is resuming issuing Umrah visas from today, 10 June, a day after the conclusion of the Hajj 2025. Over 1.6 million Muslims from more than 150 nations prayed in Mecca during the annual Islamic pilgrimage, the Saudi Arabian authorities said earlier. The resumption of Umrah visas paves the way for international pilgrims to return to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The Kingdom's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had earlier confirmed the start of the new Umrah season, which means new batches of foreign pilgrims would arrive for the pilgrimage. In April, to curb unauthorised Hajj pilgrimages and control inbound travel, Saudi Arabia suspended the issue of short-term visas for 14 countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen and Morocco. This temporary restriction was to avoid overcrowding during Hajj 2025. The restriction was basically a temporary suspension on the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 nations. This measure was in effect until mid-June 2025, aligning with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage. According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's official calendar, visa issuance will begin on 10 June. Umrah companies and international agents were instructed to finalise their service agreements no later than 27 May, as per the calendar issued earlier. Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities of Islam in Saudi Arabia. It is almost like the Hajj pilgrimage, with the difference of timing. Both pilgrimages, however, require different visas. The Hajj is performed during a particular period that culminates days after Eid-ul-Adha. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, barring the temporary restrictions during the Hajj period. This year, the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates of Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia were between 4 June and 9 June. According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, 1,673,230 Muslims performed the Hajj pilgrimage this year, with the majority of them from outside Saudi Arabia. The number of external pilgrims stood at 1,506,576, while 166,654 flocked to Mecca from inside the Kingdom. As many as 1.75 lakh Indians had registered for Hajj pilgrimage this year. This includes an arrangement for 1.2 lakh pilgrims through the government quota managed by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, through the Hajj Committee of India. The remaining pilgrims (over 50,000 pilgrims) were supposed to travel through Private Tour Operators. The Hajj pilgrimage is held annually between the 8th and 13th days of Zil-Hajj, the 12th and final month on the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates of Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia were between 4 June and 9 June.
Mint
2 days ago
- Mint
Hajj 2025: No more temporary ban on visas for Indians as over 1.6 million Muslims conclude Mecca pilgrimage
Hajj 2025: The Hajj 2025 has concluded with over 1.6 million Muslims from more than 150 nations visiting Mecca for the annual Islamic pilgrimage, the Saudi Arabian authorities said on 9 June. As many as 1.75 lakh India had registered for Hajj pilgrimage this year. This includes an arrangement for 1.2 lakh pilgrims through government quota managed by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, through the Hajj Committee of India The remaining pilgrims (over 50,000 pilgrims) were supposed to travel through Private Tour Operators. 'Hajj 2025 was not just a logistical milestone—it was a glimpse of what the future of pilgrimage can and should be,' said Dr Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah said in a statement on June 9. The Hajj is a must for those Muslims who can afford the travel costs to Saudi Arabia from their home countries. 'Serving over 1.6 million pilgrims with more than 130 digital services, expanding emergency care by 60 percent, and deploying over 20,000 buses and trains isn't only about scale—it's about reimagining the experience itself. Our goal is to make every journey to the holy sites not only safe, but seamless, inclusive, and spiritually enriching. This year was a step forward—and we are already building what comes next,' he said. The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city of Islam in Saudi Arabia, which houses the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, is performed during a particular period. The Hajj pilgrimage is held annually between the 8th and 13th days of Zil-Hajj, the 12th and final month on the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates of Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia were between 4 June and 9 June. The main Hajj rituals culminate with the commemoration of Eid al-Adha which falls on 10th Zil-Hajj or June 6 in Saudi Arabia this year. In India Eid al-Adha was on 7 June. Eid al-Adha is the day when the animal sacrifice takes place to honour the act of Prophet Ibrahim several 100 years ago. With the conclusion of Hajj 2025, the temporary suspension on short-term visas for 14 countries including India is over too. In April, to curb unauthorised Hajj pilgrimages and control inbound travel, Saudi Arabia suspended the issue of short-term visas for 14 countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen and Morocco. This temporary restriction was to avoid overcrowding during Hajj 2025. People have in the past travelled to Saudi Arabia on short-term visas and entered Mecca without official permission for the Hajj. Authorities said that many of those who died in the heat during the 2024 Hajj were unregistered and unable to access air-conditioned pilgrim amenities. The restriction was basically a temporary suspension on the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 nations. This measure was in effect until mid-June 2025, aligning with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage. The government clarified on 9 June that temporary restrictions on short-term visas will no longer exist after the Hajj season is over. "As a matter of practice, during the Hajj season, there are temporary restrictions on short-term visas to avoid overcrowding during this season, which end with the conclusion of Hajj," a government source told news agency PTI. Many pilgrims also visit the city of Medina, home to the Prophet Muhammad's tomb and the second-holiest site in Islam. While not an official part of the Hajj, visiting Medina remains a significant spiritual experience for many devout Muslims. Hajj 2025 was not just a logistical milestone—it was a glimpse of what the future of pilgrimage can and should be. With the successful conclusion of this year's Hajj, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has initiated preparations for Hajj 2026. 'This underscores the Kingdom's commitment to elevating the pilgrim experience under the visionary leadership of its Custodian of the two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina,' the June 9 statement said.
Mint
3 days ago
- Mint
Hajj 2025: No more temporary ban on short-term visas for Indians as over 1.5 million Muslims conclude Mecca pilgrimage
The Hajj 2025 has concluded with over 1.5 million Muslims from more than 150 nations visiting Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual Islamic pilgrimage last week. India's quota for the Hajj in 2025 was 1.75 lakh pilgrims. The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, through the Hajj Committee of India, manages arrangements for the bulk of the quota, which is 1,22,518 in 2025. The balance of the quota (over 50,000 pilgrims) was allotted to Private Tour Operators. 'Hajj 2025 was not just a logistical milestone—it was a glimpse of what the future of pilgrimage can and should be,' said Dr Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah said in a statement on June 9 The Hajj is a must for those Muslims who can afford the travel costs to Saudi Arabia from their home countries. 'Serving over 1.6 million pilgrims with more than 130 digital services, expanding emergency care by 60 percent, and deploying over 20,000 buses and trains isn't only about scale—it's about reimagining the experience itself. Our goal is to make every journey to the holy sites not only safe, but seamless, inclusive, and spiritually enriching. This year was a step forward—and we are already building what comes next,' he said. The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city of Islam in Saudi Arabia, which houses the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, is performed during a particular period. The Hajj pilgrimage is held annually between the 8th and 13th days of Zil-Hajj, the 12th and final month on the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates of Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia are between 4 June and 9 June. The main Hajj rituals culminate with the commemoration of Eid al-Adha which falls on 10th Zil-Hajj or June 6 in Saudi Arabia this year. In India Eid al-Adha was on 7 June. With the conclusion of Hajj 2025, the temporary suspension on short-term visas for 14 countries including India is over too. In April, to curb unauthorised Hajj pilgrimages and control inbound travel, Saudi Arabia suspended the issue of short-term visas for 14 countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen and Morocco. This temporary restriction was to avoid overcrowding during Hajj 205. People have in the past travelled to Saudi Arabia on short-term visas and entered Mecca without official permission for the Hajj. Authorities said that many of those who died in the heat during last year's Hajj were unregistered and unable to access air-conditioned pilgrim amenities. The government clarified on 9 June that temporary restrictions on short-term visas will no longer exist. "As a matter of practice, during the Hajj season, there are temporary restrictions on short-term visas to avoid overcrowding during this season, which end with the conclusion of Hajj," a government source told news agency PTI. The suspension will continue till month end by when all pilgrims will leave the holy cities. Many pilgrims also visit the city of Medina, home to the Prophet Muhammad's tomb and the second-holiest site in Islam. While not an official part of the Hajj, visiting Medina remains a significant spiritual experience for many devout Muslims. Hajj 2025 was not just a logistical milestone—it was a glimpse of what the future of pilgrimage can and should be. With the successful conclusion of this year's Hajj, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has promptly initiated preparations for Hajj 2026—underscoring its unwavering commitment to elevating the pilgrim experience under the visionary leadership of its Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Hajj offices across the globe have received the initial operational plans for Hajj 2026, reflecting the Kingdom's sacred responsibility in serving the guests of Allah with excellence, care, and dedication.
Mint
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Mint
Hajj 2025: Over a million Muslims gather in Mecca. Know key rituals, dress code and weather in Saudi city
Hajj 2025: Over a million Muslims from around the world have gathered in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca for the Hajj 2025 – the annual pilgrimage which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Begining Wednesday, June 4 until Sunday, June 8, the devouts, braving scorching Arab summer, will immerse themselves in religious rituals and acts of worship that originated more than 1,400 years ago. Last year, 1.8 million people took part in the pilgrimage from across the world. In 2025, India's quota for Hajj is 1.75 lakh pilgrims. Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, through the Hajj Committee of India, manages arrangements for the bulk of the quota allotted to India, which is 1,22,518 in 2025. The balance of the quota (over 50,000 pilgrims) was allotted to Private Tour Operators. The Hajj is a must for those Muslims who can afford the travel costs to Saudi Arabia from their home countries. Hajj 2025:The first day of Hajj begins The annual pilgrimage to Mecca - the holiest city of Islam in Saudi Arabia -- which houses the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site is performed during a particular period. Many pilgrims also visit the city of Medina, home to the Prophet Muhammad's tomb and the second-holiest site in Islam. While not an official part of the Hajj, visiting Medina remains a significant spiritual experience for many devout Muslims. The Hajj pilgrimage is held annually between the eighth and 13th days of Zil-Hajj, the 12th and final month on the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates of Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia are between 4 June and 8 June. The pilgrims take part in four days of ceremonies, with the high point coming on the second day with mass outdoor prayers on Mount Arafat, the hill where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon. Last year's pilgrims struggled through burning sun and suffocating hot weather, with the mercury hitting 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit). More than 1,300 people died. This year, Saudi authorities have advised caution in direct sunlight, telling pilgrims to avoid going out during the day and uncovering their heads, except for rituals, unless necessary. But it is tough to avoid the heat and crowds when the Hajj is outdoors. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, elevating the personal stakes further, and temperatures in Mecca are already 41 degrees Celsius (about 106 Fahrenheit). Although the desert kingdom spends billions of dollars on crowd control and cooling, the volume of pilgrims and climatic conditions make it difficult to guarantee people's safety. The price of a Hajj ranges from $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the length of the stay, level of comfort, and country of departure. Depreciating currencies, high inflation, and tax hikes in Saudi Arabia also have an impact on how much Muslims end up paying. The countries that typically send the most pilgrims are developing nations. Some have trimmed the price of government-backed Hajj programs to make them more affordable. But this step is not always enough. In Saudi Arabia, which has also introduced flexible payments, domestic pilgrims pay 20 per cent within 72 hours of booking, another 40 per cent during Ramadan and the final 40 per cent the following month. In April, to curb unauthorised Hajj pilgrimages and control inbound travel, Saudi Arabia suspended the issue of short-term visas for 14 countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen and Morocco. People have in the past travelled to Saudi Arabia on short-term visas and entered Mecca without official permission for the Hajj. Authorities said that many of those who died in the heat during last year's Hajj were unregistered and unable to access air-conditioned pilgrim amenities. The Interior Ministry warned in May that a fine of up to 20,000 riyals, or about $5,330, would be imposed on anyone attempting to enter Mecca during the Hajj without the correct visa. Pilgrims follow a dress code during the multi-day pilgrimage. Men wear a seamless shroudlike white garment that emphasises unity among believers. Women must wear loose dresses, also white, exposing only their faces and hands. Pilgrims are not allowed to argue, bicker or engage in sexual activity and are prohibited from wearing perfume, cutting their nails, or trimming their hair or beards. The first ritual involves walking seven times (called tawaf) around the Kaaba, the black, cube-shaped structure that is the focal point for daily prayers. Muslims across the world turn towards the Kaaba during Namaz. Hajj 2025: The first ritual involves walking seven times (called tawaf) around the Kaaba, the black, cube-shaped structure that is the focal point for daily prayers. Muslims across the world turn towards the Kaaba during Namaz Pilgrims next walk seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwa. They then move on to Mina, around five kilometres away, ahead of the main ritual of the pilgrimage at Mount Arafat. The next day on Friday pilgrims will gather at Mount Arafat, about 10 kilometres (six miles) from Mina, where it is believed the Mohammed, Islam's last prphet, delivered his final sermon. Pilgrims assemble on the 70-metre (230-foot) high hill and its surrounding plain for hours of prayers and Quran recitals, staying there until the evening. After sunset they head to Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and Mina, where they each gather dozens of pebbles so they can perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil'. The last major ritual of the hajj is back at Mina, where pilgrims throw symbolic seven stones at each of three concrete walls representing Satan on 10 Zil Hajj which corresponds to June 6 in Saudi Arabia The ritual is an emulation of Prophet Abraham's stoning of the devil at the three spots where it is said Satan tried to dissuade him from obeying God's order to sacrifice his son, Ismael. After the first stoning, the Eid al-Adha feast of sacrifice begins. The central ritual of offering a sacrifice (qurbani) commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as a test of his obedience to God. On 7 and 8 June, after Eid, pilgrims return to Mina and again perform rami (stoning) of all three stone pillars on each day. Pilgrims who remain for an extra day repeat the stoning ritual at all three pillars once more. The Hajj is a must for those Muslims who can afford the travel costs to Saudi Arabia from their home countries. Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final tawaf around the Kaaba, known as the tawaf al-wada or a 'farewell tawaf', signifying a spiritual farewell to the holy city
Mint
28-05-2025
- Mint
When is Hajj 2025? Key dates, rituals, and significance — all you need to know
Hajj 2025: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that Hajj 2025 will begin this year on June 4 after the crescent moon was sighted marking the first day of Dhul-Hijjah or Zil-Hajj, the twelfth month of Islamic calender on 28 May. Saudi Hajj Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah said more than one million pilgrims from around the world had already arrived in the country for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Last year, 1.8 million people took part in the pilgrimage. For Indian pilgrims, Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, through the Hajj Committee of India, manages arrangements for the bulk of the quota allotted to India, which is 1,22,518 in 2025. The balance of the quota (over 50,000 pilgrims) was allotted to Private Tour Operators. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims who can afford the travel costs to Saudi Arabia from their home countries. Hajj is an annual pilgrimage toMecca, the holiest city of Islam in Saudi Arabia, which houses the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site. The pilgrimage is performed during a particular period that culminates with Eid-ul-Adha. Many pilgrims also visit the city of Medina, home to the Prophet Muhammad's tomb and the second holiest site in Islam. While not an official part of the Hajj, visiting Medina remains a significant spiritual experience for many devouts. The Hajj pilgrimage is held annually between the eighth and 13th days of Zil-Hajj, the 12th and final month on the Islamic lunar calendar. This year the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates of Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia will be between June 4 and June 9. The pilgrims take part in four days of ceremonies with the high point coming on the second day with mass outdoor prayers on Mount Arafat, the hill where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon. The pilgrims take part in four days of ceremonies with the high point coming on the second day with mass outdoor prayers on Mount Arafat, the hill where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon. This year, the day of Arafat will fall on June 5, followed by Eid al-Adha on June 6 in Saudi Arabia. In India the lunar calender is usually a day after Saudi. In India, Eid al-Adha 2025, which falls on 10th day of Zil-Hajj is on June 7, Saturday. Pilgrims from India began their journey to Saudi Arabia as early as the end of April. Eid-ul-Adha marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage and is also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice.' Eid-ul-Adha or Eid al-Adha is one of the two Eids celebrated by Muslims. It marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage and is also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice." Usually, there is a gap of 70 days between Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. The central ritual of offering a sacrifice (qurbani) commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as a test of his obedience to God. As mentioned in the Quran (Surah As-Saffat, verses 99-113), Prophet Ibrahim received a divine command in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma'il (Ishmael), as a test of his faith. As Ibrahim prepared to carry out the sacrifice, God intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead, signifying Ibrahim's devotion and submission to God's will. Thus the sacrifice on Eid al-Adha symbolises the significance of faith, sacrifice, and obedience in Islam. Key Takeaways Hajj 2025 will take place from June 4 to June 9 in Saudi Arabia. Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on June 6 in Saudi Arabia and on June 7 in India. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a significant spiritual journey for Muslims.
