Saudi Arabia Welcomes Over One Million Pilgrims for Hajj Amidst Stringent Regulations
The annual pilgrimage sees a significant influx of worshippers with health conditions deemed stable and strict enforcement of Hajj rules.
Saudi Arabia has welcomed more than one million pilgrims for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, with the total number of arrivals reported to exceed one million and 70,000, according to Minister of Media Salman Al Dosari at a recent press conference in Riyadh.
Health Minister Fahad Al Jalajel confirmed that pilgrims' health conditions are 'reassuring,' stating that no public health threats or epidemic cases have been detected thus far.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced that Muslims in the kingdom are to observe the crescent moon Tuesday evening, which will signal the start of Dhu Al Hijja, the month during which Hajj takes place.
If the crescent moon is sighted on the 29th day of Dhu Al Qadah, Dhu Al Hijja will commence on Wednesday, May 28. Consequently, the first day of Eid Al Adha is expected to fall on Friday, June 6. Should the crescent not be sighted, the month will begin on Thursday, resulting in Eid being celebrated on Saturday, June 7. Individuals who see the crescent are encouraged to report their observations to the nearest court.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring that all Muslims with the means undertake it at least once in their lives.
The pilgrimage is recognized as one of the largest religious gatherings globally.
In preparation for the event, the Interior Ministry has established a range of penalties for those violating Hajj regulations.
On Monday, officials reported the arrest of five residents and nine citizens for violating transport regulations, as they were found transporting 44 individuals without Hajj permits.
The ministry confirmed that administrative committees have issued consequences against the perpetrators, including imprisonment, fines reaching up to 100,000 riyals (approximately $26,666), and deportation for residents found guilty, with a 10-year re-entry ban after serving their sanctions.
In addition, judicial proceedings have been initiated to confiscate the vehicles involved in these violations, and fines of up to 20,000 riyals will be imposed on anyone attempting to perform Hajj without the necessary permit.
The ministry has emphasized the importance of compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure a safe pilgrimage for all.
Preparations at the Grand Mosque are also well underway.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced that the Mataf area, designated for circumambulation, is equipped to accommodate up to 107,000 worshippers per hour across multiple levels.
The total worshipper capacity has reached 203,000, with designated access points set up for ease of movement during the pilgrimage.
Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid has been appointed as the preacher for this year’s Hajj on the Day of Arafah, underlining the day’s significance.
Mount Arafat, the site where the Prophet Mohammed delivered his last sermon, is a key location visited by millions during the pilgrimage.
Health Minister Fahad Al Jalajel confirmed that pilgrims' health conditions are 'reassuring,' stating that no public health threats or epidemic cases have been detected thus far.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced that Muslims in the kingdom are to observe the crescent moon Tuesday evening, which will signal the start of Dhu Al Hijja, the month during which Hajj takes place.
If the crescent moon is sighted on the 29th day of Dhu Al Qadah, Dhu Al Hijja will commence on Wednesday, May 28. Consequently, the first day of Eid Al Adha is expected to fall on Friday, June 6. Should the crescent not be sighted, the month will begin on Thursday, resulting in Eid being celebrated on Saturday, June 7. Individuals who see the crescent are encouraged to report their observations to the nearest court.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring that all Muslims with the means undertake it at least once in their lives.
The pilgrimage is recognized as one of the largest religious gatherings globally.
In preparation for the event, the Interior Ministry has established a range of penalties for those violating Hajj regulations.
On Monday, officials reported the arrest of five residents and nine citizens for violating transport regulations, as they were found transporting 44 individuals without Hajj permits.
The ministry confirmed that administrative committees have issued consequences against the perpetrators, including imprisonment, fines reaching up to 100,000 riyals (approximately $26,666), and deportation for residents found guilty, with a 10-year re-entry ban after serving their sanctions.
In addition, judicial proceedings have been initiated to confiscate the vehicles involved in these violations, and fines of up to 20,000 riyals will be imposed on anyone attempting to perform Hajj without the necessary permit.
The ministry has emphasized the importance of compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure a safe pilgrimage for all.
Preparations at the Grand Mosque are also well underway.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced that the Mataf area, designated for circumambulation, is equipped to accommodate up to 107,000 worshippers per hour across multiple levels.
The total worshipper capacity has reached 203,000, with designated access points set up for ease of movement during the pilgrimage.
Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid has been appointed as the preacher for this year’s Hajj on the Day of Arafah, underlining the day’s significance.
Mount Arafat, the site where the Prophet Mohammed delivered his last sermon, is a key location visited by millions during the pilgrimage.
Translation:
Translated by AI