The Latest Breaking News from Mecca

Yorkshire vow to block ‘offensive’ followers after response to Adil Rashid tweet

The White Rose county responded to a series of comments after announcing that the bowler was heading to Mecca for Hajj

The Independent UK · Jul 9, 2022

This Eid al-Adha, the new rules for hajj have left many frustrated

The Saudi Arabian government's new rules for the pilgrimage left many Muslims frustrated and disappointed. Some couldn't make the journey, and others were shocked by the conditions upon arrival.

WEKU · Jul 9, 2022

What is Hajj? One million Muslims gather in Mecca for largest pilgrimage since pandemic

The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a journey that every adult Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime, as long as they are physically and financially able to do so.

Dublin Live · Jul 8, 2022

Frustration as Saudi Hajj lottery limits foreign pilgrims returning to Mecca

A million fully vaccinated Muslims from around the world have gathered in the holy city of Mecca for the five-day Hajj. It's a big increase in number since the pandemic upended the annual Saudi event in 2020. While foreign pilgrims have returned, a government-organised lottery system has put a squeeze…

Radio France Internationale · Jul 7, 2022

Israel asks Saudis to let Mecca pilgrims fly direct from Tel Aviv

Israel's regional cooperation minister said on Thursday that he had asked Saudi Arabia to admit direct flights from Tel Aviv for Muslim pilgrims, pointing to a possible new accommodation by Riyadh ahead of next week's visit by U.S. President Joe Biden.

Reuters · Jul 7, 2022

A new Hajj booking system leaves tour operators out in the cold

Pilgrims must now book travels via a new online portal which works on a lottery system, cutting out many agents.

Al Jazeera · Jul 7, 2022

A hajj closer to normal: 1 million Muslims begin pilgrimage

One million pilgrims from across the globe are gathering in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the initial rites of the hajj

The Independent UK · Jul 7, 2022

Saudi Arabia expecting 1 million in largest hajj since virus

Muslim pilgrims are converging on Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca for the largest hajj since the coronavirus pandemic severely curtailed access to one of Islam’s five pillars

The Independent UK · Jul 6, 2022

Mecca's merchants relieved as foreign pilgrims return to haj

Mecca's crowded streets provided Saudi merchant Dhikra Faqihi with much-needed relief as pilgrims returned to the annual haj after two years of pandemic-related disruption, with many rushing to buy her prayer beads and rugs.

Reuters · Jul 5, 2022

One million set to perform Hajj as COVID-19 restrictions ease

International pilgrims will perform the annual ritual for first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020.

Al Jazeera · Jul 5, 2022