RIYADH – Saudi Arabia has officially announced that the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage to Mecca will begin on June 4, following the sighting of the crescent moon that signals the start of the Islamic lunar month. The announcement was made by the Kingdom's Supreme Court and published by the official Saudi Press Agency.

At a press conference held on Monday, Saudi Arabia's Hajj Minister, Tawfiq al-Rabiah, revealed that over one million international pilgrims have already arrived in the country in preparation for the annual Islamic pilgrimage. Last year, 1.8 million Muslims participated in the sacred journey, according to official statistics.

The Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford the journey. The pilgrimage includes four days of spiritual rituals, culminating in the Day of Arafat on June 5, when worshippers gather at Mount Arafat, believed to be the site of the Prophet Muhammad’s last sermon.

Eid al-Adha 2025 will be observed the following day, on June 6.

The timing of the Hajj changes annually due to the Islamic lunar calendar. In recent years, it has coincided with Saudi Arabia’s intense summer heat. In 2024, temperatures soared to 51.8°C, tragically resulting in the deaths of over 1,300 pilgrims.

Stay updated on the latest Hajj 2025 news, travel guidelines, and safety information to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling journey.