Mecca

As Muslims gather in the holy city for the Hajj pilgrimage, worshippers are flocking to the historic Jannatul Mualla Cemetery to honor the family and companions of the Prophet Muhammad. The sacred site, which includes the resting…

Saudi Arabia is preparing to close Hajj entries at midnight on Friday, May 22, 2026, with approximately 80 percent of the expected 1.7 million pilgrims having already arrived in the holy lands. Early arrivals are splitting their…

During the Hajj season, thousands of pilgrims make the arduous trek up Mount Nur to visit the Cave of Hira, a site of profound historical significance in Islam. To avoid Mecca's sweltering midday temperatures, which often top 40 degrees…

In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, extensive maintenance and polishing of the Kaaba's outer walls have commenced following the early removal of its iconic silk covering ahead of the Hajj season. Workers using specialized equipment have set…

A 74-year-old retired bus driver from Bursa, western Türkiye, traveled to Mecca for Umrah by converting his van into a campervan and driving through Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Osman Nuri Özgür completed the roughly…

Around 1.8 million international pilgrims and 100,000 local worshippers performed key Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia. After standing at Arafat on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims moved to Muzdalifah, then proceeded to Mina to stone the…

In Mecca, pilgrims who perform the Umrah Tawaf and Say are required to cut their hair and exit ihram. Traditionally, this was done with personal scissors or mobile barbers (hallaks) charging around 5 rials. This…

Two new digital museums have opened in Mecca’s Haram Sharif, showcasing the life of Prophet Muhammad and the history of the Kaaba. The Biography Museum, located in the Zamzam Tower, uses LED and hologram…

Hajj pilgrims are flocking to Jannat al-Mu'alla Cemetery, just 2 km from the Kaaba, ahead of the Arafat. Known as Mecca’s largest historical cemetery, it holds the graves of many companions and relatives of the Prophet Muhammad,…