Saudi authorities have urged pilgrims to adhere strictly to guidelines on Hajj operations to make it hitch-free and meet its spiritual aims.
This is contained in Hajj Rules released by the Saudi authorities on Thursday.
Millions of Muslims embarked on this 2025 Hajj in the Holy city of Makkah on Wednesday.
To combat the sweltering heat, expected to exceed 44 degrees Celsius, authorities have implemented additional measures to ensure a safe and smooth experience for pilgrims.
“Upon entering Makkah, pilgrims begin their journey with the tawaf, circling the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, seven times counterclockwise as a unified expression of devotion to one God.
“They will then proceed to Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa (Mashhar), other sacred sites in Makkah, where they will perform additional rituals and acts of worship.
“Pilgrims will then proceed to Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa, other sacred sites near Makkah, where they’ll perform additional rituals and acts of worship.
“Before departing the holy city, Muslims will perform a final tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times, symbolising a spiritual farewell to the sacred sanctuary,” the Hajj organisers said.
Saudi authorities said completing the Hajj should bring a profound spiritual experience, offering a chance for pilgrims to seek God’s forgiveness and wipe the slate clean of past sins.
Although it is obligatory only once in a lifetime, many Muslims choose to perform the Hajj multiple times.
To ensure a safe experience, Saudi authorities have implemented enhanced safety precautions for this year’s event.”
“This year, Riyadh has invested billions of dollars in crowd control measures and cooling systems.
“The Grand Mosque is equipped with the world’s largest cooling system, maintaining a comfortable temperature of 22-24°C (72-75°F) for pilgrims.
“Additionally, thousands of trees have been planted to help mitigate the forecasted temperatures of up to 44°C (111°F).
“Pilgrims attempting to perform Hajj without an official permit will face a $5,000 fine and a 10-year entry ban, authorities have warned”, they said.
As of Sunday, over 269,000 people without permits have been prevented from entering Makkah.
In a significant policy change, Riyadh has also introduced a ban on children under 12 participating in this year’s Hajj, saying that children are exempted from Hajj and other religious obligations until they reach puberty.
“The Saudi health ministry has advised pilgrims to take precautions against the heat, including staying out of the sun between 10am and 4pm, using umbrellas for shade, and staying hydrated,” Saudi authorities said.
To alleviate the heat, authorities have expanded shaded areas by 50,000 sqm and installed over 400 cooling units.
The Grand Mosque’s cooling system, touted as the world’s largest, will also help keep pilgrims cool.
Further measures to beat the heat include the construction of rubberized and cooled roads to lower surface temperatures.
Artificial intelligence will also be utilized to monitor drones and manage crowds.
The Hajj, one of Islam’s five fundamental pillars, is a mandatory journey for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it, taking place in the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.