Latest news with #PermanentHajjandUmrahCommittee
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi city of Mecca draws to a close
The annual Hajj pilgrimage drew to a close on Monday without major incident, despite a number of deaths. A total of 1.6 million Muslims from all over the world participated in this year's pilgrimage to the Saudi city of Mecca. The event was successful and passed without major incidents, said Prince Saud bin Mishaal, vice chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, adding that it had been free of health or service-related incidents. There were nonetheless reports of deaths from Iran's IRNA state news agency, which said 13 Iranian pilgrims had died in temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius. Last year, more than 1,300 died in temperatures that reached up to 50 degrees. This year, the Saudi authorities took measures to avoid a repeat of the disaster, taking stricter measures against pilgrims without an official permit, who have in the past received less care. The Hajj, which moves with the lunar calendar, will take place in cooler months over the years ahead, the Saudi weather service said. It will be 25 years before it is again held in the hottest summer months. The large crowds present the authorities with problems every year. On Sunday, more than 100,000 people were entering the Great Mosque of Mecca every hour, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime is one of the five religious duties for Muslims who are physically and financially able to do so. During the record year of 2012, more than 3 million people are estimated to have taken part.
Saudi Gazette
08-06-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia announces successful and incident-free Hajj 1446
Saudi Gazette report MINA — Prince Saud bin Mishaal, deputy emir of the Makkah Region and vice chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, announced the successful conclusion of Hajj 1446, declaring it free of any security, health, or service-related incidents. Speaking from the governorate's headquarters in Mina, Prince Saud extended congratulations to the Kingdom's leadership, saying: 'On behalf of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and emir of the Makkah Region, and Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, minister of interior and chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee — and in the name of all Hajj workers — I offer heartfelt congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the distinguished execution of the operational plans, which enabled pilgrims to perform their rites in safety and peace.' Prince Saud expressed gratitude to members of the security, health, and service sectors, as well as to the many volunteers who contributed to the success of the season, emphasizing their sincerity and commitment to serving the guests of God in accordance with the directives of the Kingdom's leadership. He also praised the pilgrims themselves, noting their cooperation and compliance with the regulations and instructions, which played a key role in the success of the season. In closing, Prince Saud affirmed that preparations for next year's Hajj will begin immediately. 'The Kingdom — its leadership, government, and people — takes great pride in serving the holy sites and their visitors,' he said. 'We ask God Almighty for success in all our efforts moving forward.'
Saudi Gazette
05-06-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
No security or health incidents reported on Arafat day, says Makkah deputy emir
Saudi Gazette report ARAFAT — Prince Saud bin Mishaal, deputy emir of the Makkah Region and vice chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, praised God for enabling 1.67 million pilgrims to complete the Day of Arafat without any recorded security or health incidents. Speaking from Arafat on Thursday, the prince attributed the smooth movement and calm spiritual atmosphere to the Kingdom's integrated service system and the leadership's meticulous planning. 'In this great day, pilgrims gather in Arafat in devotion and reverence,' he said. 'They were transported from Makkah and Mina to Arafat in record time, under flexible and efficient plans, with no security or epidemic incidents reported — all by the grace of God.' Prince Saud expressed gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for mobilizing extensive material and human resources to serve the guests of God. He also acknowledged the direct supervision of Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, in overseeing all operational plans. 'We are honored by God to serve His sacred sites,' the prince said, adding: 'It is a great responsibility that we must carry out with sincerity.' He called on all pilgrims to adhere to official instructions and thanked security forces, volunteers, and service personnel for presenting a positive image of the Kingdom. 'Continue your noble mission,' he urged, 'we are proud of you.' The deputy emir asked God to accept their deeds and grant them a blessed Hajj.
