Latest news with #Nusuk


The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Saudi imposes ban on pilgrims walking from Mecca to Arafah due to extreme heat
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has imposed a ban on pilgrims walking from Mecca to Arafah or have prolonged exposed to the sun during the "masyair" phase (June 5-9) as dangerously high temperatures are forecast. The directive was issued by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah to avoid heatstroke or even deaths among pilgrims. Pilgrims have also been advised against visiting popular religious sites such as Namirah Mosque and Jabal Rahmah between 10am and 4pm, typically the hottest hours of the day. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said as an alternative, the Saudi government would enhance the transport system to ensure safe and smooth movement between key pilgrimage sites. He was speaking to the Malaysian media after a meeting with Saudi Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, at the Grand Haj Symposium here on Sunday (June 1). The masyair phase is considered the peak phase of the haj. It involves the movement of millions of pilgrims over five days from Makkah to Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, from the 8th to the 12th of Zulhijjah (June 5-8). Mohd Na'im said the new restrictions were designed to safeguard pilgrims' well-being, especially during the crucial "wukuf" ritual at Arafah, when pilgrims gather outdoors in prayer and reflection. Saudi officials have urged haj authorities across the Muslim world to remind pilgrims to limit their exposure to direct sunlight during this period. Officials have also reinforced regulations on the mandatory use of the Nusuk card, which functions as both an identity verification tool and a security pass. Entry to Masjidil Haram, Arafah, Muzdalifah or Mina will be strictly limited to cardholders. "So far, no Malaysian pilgrims has been found in the Holy Land without valid permits," said Mohd Na'im. He added that those found attempting to perform the haj without official approval would face firm action from Saudi authorities.


The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Haj pilgrims barred from walking, leaving tents due to heatwave
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has imposed a ban on haj pilgrims walking from Makkah to Arafah or remaining outside their tents during the masyair phase of the 1446H/2025 haj season, citing concerns over extreme heat. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah, comes amid forecasts of dangerously high temperatures expected during the pilgrimage's busiest days. Pilgrims have also been advised against visiting popular religious sites such as Namirah Mosque and Jabal Rahmah between 10 am and 4 pm, typically the hottest hours of the day, due to the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said as an alternative, the Saudi government will enhance the transport system to ensure safe and smooth movement between key pilgrimage sites. He was speaking to the Malaysian media after a meeting with Saudi Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, at the Grand Haj Symposium here today. The masyair phase is considered the peak phase of haj. It involves the movement of millions of pilgrims over five days from Makkah to Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, from the 8th to the 12th of Zulhijjah. Mohd Na'im said the new restrictions were designed to safeguard pilgrims' wellbeing, especially during the crucial wukuf ritual at Arafah, when pilgrims gather outdoors in prayer and reflection. Saudi officials have urged haj authorities from across the Muslim world to remind pilgrims to limit their exposure to direct sunlight during this period. They have also reinforced regulations surrounding the mandatory use of the Nusuk card, which functions as both an identity verification tool and a security pass. Entry to Masjidil Haram, Arafah, Muzdalifah or Mina will be strictly limited to cardholders. 'So far, no Malaysian pilgrims have been found in the Holy Land without valid permits,' said Mohd Na'im, noting that the high compliance rate reflects the success of joint enforcement and screening efforts by Saudi authorities. He added that pilgrims found attempting to perform haj without official approval will face firm action from Saudi authorities.


The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Haj pilgrims banned from walking, leaving tents during masyair due to extreme heat
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has imposed a ban on haj pilgrims walking from Makkah to Arafah or remaining outside their tents during the masyair phase of the 1446H/2025 haj season, citing concerns over extreme heat. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah, comes amid forecasts of dangerously high temperatures expected during the pilgrimage's busiest days. Pilgrims have also been advised against visiting popular religious sites such as Namirah Mosque and Jabal Rahmah between 10 am and 4 pm, typically the hottest hours of the day, due to the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said as an alternative, the Saudi government will enhance the transport system to ensure safe and smooth movement between key pilgrimage sites. He was speaking to the Malaysian media after a meeting with Saudi Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, at the Grand Haj Symposium here today. The masyair phase is considered the peak phase of haj. It involves the movement of millions of pilgrims over five days from Makkah to Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, from the 8th to the 12th of Zulhijjah. Mohd Na'im said the new restrictions were designed to safeguard pilgrims' wellbeing, especially during the crucial wukuf ritual at Arafah, when pilgrims gather outdoors in prayer and reflection. Saudi officials have urged haj authorities from across the Muslim world to remind pilgrims to limit their exposure to direct sunlight during this period. They have also reinforced regulations surrounding the mandatory use of the Nusuk card, which functions as both an identity verification tool and a security pass. Entry to Masjidil Haram, Arafah, Muzdalifah or Mina will be strictly limited to cardholders. 'So far, no Malaysian pilgrims have been found in the Holy Land without valid permits,' said Mohd Na'im, noting that the high compliance rate reflects the success of joint enforcement and screening efforts by Saudi authorities. He added that pilgrims found attempting to perform haj without official approval will face firm action from Saudi authorities.


Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Hajj Ministry urges pilgrims to stay in tents on Arafat Day amid extreme heat
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has intensified preparations to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims during the Hajj season of 1446 AH, urging strict compliance with heat-related safety guidelines on Arafat Day. In light of extreme temperatures expected at the holy sites, the ministry advised pilgrims to remain inside their designated tents from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Arafat Day and to avoid venturing to Jabal Al-Rahma or Masjid Namira during these hours to prevent heat-related illnesses. Pilgrims are also reminded to strictly adhere to the official movement schedules approved by relevant authorities. Use of authorized transportation, based on agreed mobility plans, is mandatory for all movements within the sacred zones. The ministry further stressed the importance of carrying and displaying the "Nusuk" identification card at all card is a vital document that facilitates assistance and access to services if needed, and pilgrims are advised to safeguard it throughout their stay in the holy service providers and company representatives are instructed to ensure their pilgrims are fully informed of and comply with the ministry's guidelines to enable a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience.


Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Pilgrims urged to stay in camps from 10 am to 4 pm on the Day of Arafah
JEDDAH, June 1: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Saturday urged pilgrims to remain in their camps on the Day of Arafat between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., advising them to avoid visiting Jabal al-Rahmah and Namirah Mosque to protect themselves from the intense sun and high temperatures. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the ministry emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to the approved grouping schedules set by the relevant authorities and warned against violating these schedules during all phases of movement between the holy sites. The ministry also called on pilgrims to use only authorized transportation methods within the designated routes at the holy sites and discouraged walking between locations during the specified time frame. Highlighting its intensified efforts this Hajj season, the ministry assured that its services are fully prepared to help pilgrims perform their rituals comfortably and safely, despite the challenging high temperatures at the holy sites. Pilgrims were also reminded to keep their "Nusuk" cards on hand and present them when requested. The ministry stressed that carrying the card at all times during their stay in the holy sites is mandatory, as it serves as a crucial identification document that facilitates locating pilgrims and providing assistance if needed. The ministry urged all pilgrims to follow these instructions closely to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests of God.