Latest news with #MohammedAl-Omari
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
13 hours ago
- General
- First Post
Hajj 2025: Why Saudi Arabia stopped nearly 2.7 lakh Muslims from entering Mecca
Over the coming days, millions of Muslim pilgrims will gather in Saudi Arabia's Mecca to take part in rituals and prayers observed for over 1,400 years as part of the Hajj this year. At the same time, Saudi authorities have reportedly blocked more than 2,69,000 people from entering the city for the annual pilgrimage. Officials said the move is meant to reduce overcrowding and ensure the safety of those taking part read more Muslims from across the globe have gathered in Saudi Arabia's Mecca for Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Over the next few days, they will take part in rituals and prayers that have been followed for more than 1,400 years. Meanwhile, Saudi authorities have reportedly stopped over 2,69,000 people from entering Mecca for the annual pilgrimage. ALSO READ | What is Hajj? What is its significance to Muslims? This was part of a broader effort to stop unauthorised travel to the holy city. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, why were so many people turned away from Mecca? We answer this question and explain the new Hajj rules in this explainer. Why 2.7 lakh Muslims were stopped from entering Mecca for Hajj Saudi authorities have blocked nearly 2.7 lakh people from entering Mecca for Hajj this year, as part of a large-scale crackdown on unauthorised pilgrims, according to an Associated Press report released on Sunday. Officials said that the action is aimed at easing overcrowding and ensuring the safety of those attending the pilgrimage. The government has blamed last year's deaths during Hajj, many of which occurred during intense summer heat, on those who did not have official permits. This was part of a broader effort to stop unauthorised travel to the holy city. Reuters The figure of 2,69,678 people stopped shows just how many attempt the pilgrimage without permission. Currently, around 1.4 million officially registered pilgrims are in Mecca, and more are expected in the coming days, the report said. Speaking at a press conference in Mecca, officials clarified that only pilgrims with valid permits are allowed to take part in Hajj, even if they are local residents. Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari said, 'The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.' The strict measures come in the wake of last year's tragedy , when over 1,300 people died during the Hajj. Saudi authorities said many of them were unauthorised pilgrims who had walked long distances under extreme heat to complete the rituals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel stated that 83% of the 1,301 deaths were among those without permits. $5,000 fine for violators, no children under 12: What are the new rules for Hajj 2025? As pilgrims prepare to face the intense heat and large crowds of the Hajj, Saudi authorities have introduced several new rules this year, including a ban on children under 12 and tighter restrictions on unauthorised entry. ALSO READ | Why Hajj has become unaffordable for Muslims Last year, temperatures soared to 47 degrees Celsius, making conditions extremely harsh. Many pilgrims struggled under the burning sun. This year, officials have advised avoiding direct sunlight during the day and keeping heads covered unless performing specific rituals. One of the major changes for 2025 is the ban on children under 12 from attending the Hajj. Saudi authorities say this is a safety precaution, given the dense crowds and challenging environment. The strict measures come in the wake of last year's tragedy, when over 1,300 people died during the Hajj. Reuters With limited Hajj slots available, many still try to find alternate routes into Mecca. In April, Saudi Arabia suspended short-term visa issuance for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt, to curb unauthorised travel during Hajj. Previously, many entered Mecca on tourist or short-term visas without official Hajj approval. Authorities say most of those who died in last year's extreme heat were unregistered and had no access to air-conditioned facilities reserved for permitted pilgrims. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In May, the Interior Ministry announced a penalty of up to 20,000 riyals (around $5,330) for anyone trying to enter Mecca without the correct visa during the Hajj period. To improve safety, the civil defence department has also deployed drones to monitor crowds, conduct surveillance, and support firefighting efforts during this year's pilgrimage. How many Indians will miss Hajj this year? Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, is a key religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it. This year, more than 42,000 Indian pilgrims are expected to miss the pilgrimage after Saudi Arabia cancelled over 52,000 slots originally allocated for Indians, according to reports. Following intervention by the Indian government, Saudi Arabia allowed private operators to send 10,000 pilgrims, a number which is much lower than the total allocation. With limited Hajj slots available, many still try to find alternate routes into Mecca. Reuters The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) said on April 15 that India's quota has grown over the years, from 1,36,020 in 2014 to 1,75,025 in 2025. Of the 1,75,025 slots for 2025, 1,22,518 were assigned to the Haj Committee of India, which operates under the Minority Affairs Ministry. The rest were given to private tour operators. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Over 800 of these operators were merged into 26 Consolidated Hajj Group Organisers (CHGOs) by the ministry. With inputs from agencies


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Why did Saudi Arabia block nearly 2.7 lakh Muslims from entering Mecca for Hajj?
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have stopped nearly 2,70,000 people from entering Mecca in advance of this year's Hajj pilgrimage, in what officials say is an effort part of a broader initiative to reduce overcrowding and rule out safety risks. Saudi authorities' action comes as part of a sweeping crackdown on unauthorised access, officials cited in an Associated Press news agency report announced on Sunday. Officials said the effort is part of a broader initiative to reduce overcrowding and mitigate safety risks during the pilgrimage. The Saudi government pointed to unauthorised participants as a significant factor behind last year's heat-related fatalities. Strict measures are in place to deter unauthorised participation, including fines up to $5,000, deportation, and other penalties. The rules apply to all, including Saudi citizens and residents. At a press conference in Mecca, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari detailed the scale of enforcement efforts, saying, 'The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.' More than 23,000 residents have already been penalised for breaking Hajj regulations, and licenses have been revoked from 400 Hajj service companies, officials said. The Hajj, a five-day series of religious rites in Mecca, is a once-in-a-lifetime duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it. But in recent years, extreme heat and safety concerns have cast a shadow over the event. To ensure security and safety, Saudi Arabia's civil defense announced the deployment of drones at this year's pilgrimage. The drones will assist with surveillance, crowd monitoring, and even fire extinguishing. Historically, the Hajj has drawn over 2 million (20 lakh) people annually and has at times been marred by deadly stampedes, fires, and other accidents.


Nahar Net
2 days ago
- Nahar Net
Saudi Arabia stops 269,678 Muslims without Hajj permits from entering Mecca
by Naharnet Newsdesk 02 June 2025, 16:10 Saudi Arabia stopped more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from entering Mecca, officials said Sunday, as authorities crack down on illegal journeys into the city. The government blames overcrowding at the Hajj on unauthorized participants. It also says they made up large numbers of those who died in last year's searing summer heat. The number of expulsions highlights the scale of unauthorized pilgrimages — as well as the demand to perform the Hajj. There are currently 1.4 million Muslims in Mecca officially, with more expected to arrive in the days to come. There are fines of up to $5,000 and other punitive measures, like deportation, for anyone performing the Hajj without a permit. The policy includes citizens and those with Saudi residency. At a press conference in Mecca, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering the city. According to the rules, only those with permits are allowed to perform the pilgrimage, even if they live in the city year-round. Officials have also imposed penalties on more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licenses of 400 Hajj companies. Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari told the media: "The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands." The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and involves a series of religious rituals. It's a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to do it. But it has been marred in recent years by concerns about extreme temperatures, with pilgrims performing their rituals outdoors in peak daylight hours. Historically, deaths are not uncommon at the Hajj, which has seen at times over 2 million people travel to Saudi Arabia for a five-day pilgrimage. It has also seen fatal stampedes and other accidents. Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense said Sunday that drones were being used for the first time at the Hajj. These can be used for surveillance and monitoring, as well as extinguishing fires.


Arab Times
3 days ago
- Arab Times
Saudi Arabia stops 269,678 Muslims without Hajj permits from entering Makkah
MECCA, Saudi Arabia, June 2, (AP): Saudi Arabia stopped more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from entering Makkah, officials said Sunday, as authorities crack down on illegal journeys into the city. The government blames overcrowding at the Hajj on unauthorized participants. It also says they made up large numbers of those who died in last year's searing summer heat. The number of expulsions highlights the scale of unauthorized pilgrimages - as well as the demand to perform the Hajj. There are currently 1.4 million Muslims in Makkah officially, with more expected to arrive in the days to come. There are fines of up to $5,000 and other punitive measures, like deportation, for anyone performing the Hajj without a permit. The policy includes citizens and those with Saudi residency. At a press conference in Makkah, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering the city. According to the rules, only those with permits are allowed to perform the pilgrimage, even if they live in the city year-round. Officials have also imposed penalties on more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licenses of 400 Hajj companies. Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari told the media: "The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.' The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah and involves a series of religious rituals. It's a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to do it. But it has been marred in recent years by concerns about extreme temperatures, with pilgrims performing their rituals outdoors in peak daylight hours. Historically, deaths are not uncommon at the Hajj, which has seen at times over 2 million people travel to Saudi Arabia for a five-day pilgrimage. It has also seen fatal stampedes and other accidents.


Japan Today
3 days ago
- Japan Today
Saudi Arabia stops 269,678 Muslims without Hajj permits from entering Mecca
FILE - Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as they gather outside Nimrah Mosque to offer the noon prayers in Arafat, on the second day of the annual hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool, File) By BARAA ANWER Saudi Arabia stopped more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from entering Mecca, officials said Sunday, as authorities crack down on illegal journeys into the city. The government blames overcrowding at the Hajj on unauthorized participants. It also says they made up large numbers of those who died in last year's searing summer heat. The number of expulsions highlights the scale of unauthorized pilgrimages — as well as the demand to perform the Hajj. There are currently 1.4 million Muslims in Mecca officially, with more expected to arrive in the days to come. There are fines of up to $5,000 and other punitive measures, like deportation, for anyone performing the Hajj without a permit. The policy includes citizens and those with Saudi residency. At a press conference in Mecca, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering the city. According to the rules, only those with permits are allowed to perform the pilgrimage, even if they live in the city year-round. Officials have also imposed penalties on more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licenses of 400 Hajj companies. Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari told the media: 'The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.' The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and involves a series of religious rituals. It's a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to do it. But it has been marred in recent years by concerns about extreme temperatures, with pilgrims performing their rituals outdoors in peak daylight hours. Historically, deaths are not uncommon at the Hajj, which has seen at times over 2 million people travel to Saudi Arabia for a five-day pilgrimage. It has also seen fatal stampedes and other accidents. Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense said Sunday that drones were being used for the first time at the Hajj. These can be used for surveillance and monitoring, as well as extinguishing fires. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.