Mecca

How Prophet Muhammad and his companions experienced the first Ramadan

In the vicinity of deserts, where food and water sources were scarce, the first Muslims in Medina learned to fast all day long under Prophet Muhammad’s guidance.

How the Hudaybiyyah treaty led to the recognition of Islam's first state

March 31 holds an important place in Islamic history as the anniversary of the treaty that paved the way for official recognition of the first Islamic state under Prophet Muhammad’s leadership.

Saudi Arabia’s net-zero pledges are just another instance of greenwashing

Despite Saudi promises to mitigate climate change, the Kingdom thwarts international efforts at collaboration.

The year that linked the fates of Afghanistan and the Middle East

The year 1979 is a turning point in the history of the region, as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Islamic revolution in Iran and ‘Seige of Mecca’ laid the groundwork for the rise and victory of the Taliban over forty years later.

Saudi female officers allowed to guard Islam’s holiest sites for first time

Since April, dozens of female soldiers have become part of the security services that monitor pilgrims in Mecca and Medina.

Pilgrims ascend Mount Arafat in high point of this year's Hajj

Just 60,000 people, all citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia, have been selected to take part in this year's Hajj, with foreign pilgrims again barred due to the restrictions over coronavirus pandemic.

Vaccinated pilgrims gather for Hajj as Covid curbs limit numbers

Around 60,000 Saudi citizens and residents perform Hajj this year compared with some 2.5 million in 2019.

Pilgrims head to Mecca for second downsized Hajj amid pandemic

Saudi Arabia's Hajj ministry says it is working on the "highest levels of health precautions" as pilgrims begin performing the "tawaf", the circumambulation of the Kaaba in Mecca's Grand Mosque.

Saudi Arabia limits Hajj to only 60,000 vaccinated nationals, residents

Only people aged between 18 and 65 who have been vaccinated will be able to take part in this year's Hajj, which will begin in mid-July, state-run Saudi Press Agency announced on Saturday.

Suicide bomber kills several police officers in Somalia's Mogadishu

Al Shabab attacker kills six police officers including commander of Waberi police district in capital Mogadishu, officials say.

Ramadan 2021: When does it begin and why is it important to Muslims?

Ramadan will start on or around the evening of April 13 and will be observed by hundreds of millions of Muslims worldwide.

US military exploring new land and air bases in Saudi Arabia

US military says it has already tested unloading and shipping cargo overland from the country's port at Yanbu, a crucial terminal for oil pipelines in the kingdom.