Hajj 2026: 1.7 million pilgrims and prayers for acceptance of rituals
King Salman congratulated Muslims on Eid al-Adha and prayed for the acceptance of Hajj as nearly 1.7 million pilgrims performed sacred rituals in Mina with organized crowd management.
Congratulations from the Keeper of the Sanctuaries
King Salman expressed gratitude for the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims during the Hajj season. In his address, the monarch emphasized that serving the pilgrims of the Sacred House is a great honor for Saudi Arabia. The King also prayed for the acceptance of the rituals and worship of the pilgrims by the Almighty. He congratulated Muslims around the world on the blessed holiday of Eid al-Adha and expressed the wish that this holiday would be a day of blessing, peace, and stability for the entire Ummah.
Record Number of Pilgrims
Hajj 2026 gathered an unprecedented number of believers — about 1.7 million pilgrims. On Wednesday, the first day of Eid al-Adha, they began the ritual of stoning the Jamaraat in Mina, throwing seven pebbles at Jamrat al-Aqaba. The movement of the pilgrims was orderly thanks to well-thought-out crowd management plans. The day before, the pilgrims performed the main pillar of Hajj on Mount Arafat and then safely moved to Muzdalifah, where they spent the night before heading to Mina to continue the remaining rituals.
Organization and Security
The Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, emphasized that the integration of security, organization, and service systems during Hajj reflects the Kingdom's high level of care for the pilgrims. Specialized security and service teams were deployed throughout the holy sites to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and ensure their comfort. The Minister also inspected parts of the special security forces involved in Hajj operations and praised their professional efforts in serving the believers.
Spiritual Significance of Hajj
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a spiritual journey that unites millions of Muslims from around the world. Every year, pilgrims come to Saudi Arabia to perform sacred rituals in Mecca, Medina, and the holy sites. It is a time of deep spiritual reflection, repentance, and unity. The monarch's prayers for the acceptance of Hajj reflect the spiritual importance of this pilgrimage for the entire Islamic Ummah and the hope that the rituals of each believer will be accepted by the Almighty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pilgrims participated in Hajj 2026?
About 1.7 million pilgrims participated in Hajj 2026, making it one of the largest gatherings of believers in history. All of them performed sacred rituals under high levels of security and organization.
What is Eid al-Adha and its connection to Hajj?
Eid al-Adha is the festival of sacrifice celebrated at the end of Hajj. It symbolizes obedience to the Divine will and is performed in memory of the Prophet Ibrahim. Pilgrims perform the ritual of stoning the Jamaraat on the first day of the festival in Mina.
How is the security of pilgrims organized during Hajj?
Saudi Arabia deploys specialized security and service teams throughout the holy sites. Well-thought-out crowd management plans are used for the orderly movement of pilgrims between Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, ensuring their safety and comfort.
