Over 1.5 million pilgrims gather in Makkah for last Juma before Hajj

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd May, 2026) More than 1.5 million pilgrims from different countries gathered in Makkah on Friday to offer the last Juma prayers before the start of Hajj rituals amid extraordinary operational, security and crowd-management arrangements at Masjid al-Haram and surrounding areas.

Saudi Press Agency (SPA) told APP that huge numbers of pilgrims and worshippers were expected to perform Juma prayers at the Grand Mosque and other mosques across Makkah as pilgrim arrivals continued ahead of Hajj 1447 AH.

Due to heavy crowds and the early filling of the Grand Mosque, authorities temporarily suspended Haram transport and taxi services in surrounding areas to regulate movement and ensure the safety of worshippers.

The report said elderly pilgrims and women were advised to offer Juma prayers at nearby mosques to avoid overcrowding inside the Grand Mosque and reduce pressure on central areas around Haram.

Authorities also urged pilgrims to follow precautionary measures due to hot weather conditions, including avoiding direct sunlight, using umbrellas and drinking sufficient water.

Security, health and crowd-management teams remained deployed across Makkah to facilitate smooth movement for pilgrims and ensure safe worship arrangements ahead of the peak Hajj days.

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