hajj -Makkah Mukarram
1.5 Muslims globally are performing the 2026 hajj – the fifth pillar of Islam in Makkah and Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The Major Hajj rites will start on the 25th of May. The climax will be on the Arafat Day 26th May.
This is coming despite missiles and drones attacks by Iran during the US- Isreal -Iran war last month.
Voice of Nigeria Correspondent Zubair Abdurra’uf Idris reports that Nigerian pilgrim joined their counterpart to observe Jumah Friday prayer at the Grand Ka’abah.
Nigerian pilgrims began arriving in Saudi Arabia on 3rd May 2026, with many spending time in Medina for Ziyarah and other religious obligations before moving to Mecca.
Once in Mecca, they perform Umrah and visit historical sites to understand the spiritual significance before the main Hajj rites begin.
On Monday, 25 May 2026 / 8 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, pilgrims are expected to move to Mina to prepare for the Day of Arafat. NAHCON and State Boards have secured Category A tents in Mina and Arafat to improve comfort and reduce the strain of the crowds.
State governments are emphasizing pilgrim welfare and health ahead of the rites and urged pilgrims to prioritize hydration, rest, and energy conservation due to the rigorous nature of Hajj.
National Hajj Commission, NAHCON has also licensed clinics in Saudi Arabia for 2026 and strengthened health protocols in line with Saudi regulations.
Officials have repeatedly stated that pilgrim welfare and spiritual well-being are top priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
New rules introduced include digital linkage of tickets to Nusuk cards, fixed groupings of 45 pilgrims, and strict medical screening requirements.
This year’s Hajj comes amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, raising concerns about regional stability and pilgrim safety. NAHCON has coordinated closely with Saudi authorities and service providers to mitigate operational delays.
Domestically, the timing is significant as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
The Ulama Team has been tasked to lead prayers for peaceful elections, national security, and unity during key moments at Arafat.
Pilgrims and officials have expressed that the spiritual exercise should also serve as a moment for national supplication.
Officials confirm that Nigerian pilgrims are in high spirits. State boards have stressed adherence to instructions and prayers for an accepted Hajj.
With early contracting, stricter compliance checks, and a joint Situation Room for real-time updates, NAHCON aims to avoid the data mismatches and logistical issues that affected previous years.
Memory Lane
This year is the first time that Saudi Arabia has chosen to go ahead with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the middle of a war that has seen direct strikes on Saudi territory.
The Hajj is a once-a-year event that draws millions of Muslims to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform rituals that every believer is supposed to carry out at least once in their lives, if they are able to.
It is one of the largest gatherings of humans worldwide, and this year’s Hajj runs between May 25 and May 29 with around 1.5 million pilgrims expected in Saudi Arabia.
Over the past three years, between 1.7 and 1.8 million have attended.
Historians say that over 14 centuries, the Hajj has only ever been cancelled or restricted about 40 times; the last time that happened was during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Having more than a million pilgrims descend upon one place to perform the same ritual in under a week has always been a complex logistical exercise.
This includes restricting crowds with a ticket lottery system for international pilgrims, tight security at pilgrimage sites, flights, accommodation, food and water and medical care, and all that amid high temperatures that have proven deadly in the past.
This year that exercise is being complicated by the Iran war, which began in late February when the US and Israel attacked Iran. Iran has responded by targeting the Gulf states, along with Israel.
There is a ceasefire in effect at the moment.
Read More : Saudi Arabia imposes fines, deportation, vehicle seizures in Hajj crackdown
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Source: VON/ DW
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