Mecca

Why Ramadan’s Qadr Night is the holiest event in Islam

For nearly two billion Muslims, this night represents the most sacred period in a year because Prophet Mohammed received the first verses of the Quran in 610 AD.

Saudi Arabia lifts limits on Hajj pilgrims three years after pandemic

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq al Rabiah says all Hajj pilgrims are now welcome to Islam's holiest cities of Mecca and Medina this year after numbers were drastically curtailed in 2020 due to Covid-19.

Deaths as Saudi storm shuts schools, cuts main road to Mecca

"Two deaths have been recorded so far," Mecca regional government says, after heavy rains hit western Saudi Arabia.

Yemeni man arrested as he tries to perform Umrah for Queen Elizabeth

It is acceptable to perform Umrah on behalf of deceased Muslims but this does not apply to non-Muslims like the queen.

Robots assist the faithful: How Saudi harnesses the power of AI in Mecca

Saudi Arabia is investing in Artificial Intelligence, setting up robots with touchscreens to help pilgrims navigate the Hajj process, learn about weekly schedules at mosques, as well as provide religious edicts.

Online fury as Israeli journalist illegally sneaks into Mecca

Gil Tamary of Israel's Channel 13 was in Jeddah covering US President Joe Biden's visit but flouted rules and entered Islam’s holiest city, filming what his channel calls "an important journalistic accomplishment".

In pictures: Muslims celebrate Eid al Adha as pilgrims conclude their Hajj

Eid al Adha, the feast of the sacrifice that begins on Saturday, marks the end of this year's Hajj.

Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat for climax of biggest Covid-era Hajj

This year's pilgrimage marks the largest since the virus struck, although the attendance by 1 million worshippers remains less than half of the pre-pandemic influx.

One million Muslims begin initial Hajj rites in Mecca

Muslims begin the first day of rites at Islam's holiest site as the Hajj pilgrimage reaches attendance numbers nearing pre-pandemic years.

Muslim pilgrims begin largest Hajj since Covid pandemic

One million fully vaccinated Muslims are set to take part in this year's Hajj pilgrimage, the largest number since the start of the pandemic.

In pictures: Pilgrims flock to Mecca for biggest Hajj since pandemic

Saudi Arabia will welcome one million people, including 850,000 from abroad, for the Hajj pilgrimage after two years of curtailed numbers due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Saudi welcomes first foreign Hajj pilgrims since before pandemic

A group from Indonesia landed in the city of Medina and was set to travel south to the holy city of Mecca in the coming weeks to prepare for the Hajj next month.