Hajj Flakes – 25th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH
By Abdullahi Yusuf
- A return flight departed Jeddah for Abuja with 317 pilgrims comprising 228 from the FCT, 84 from Oyo State, three from Borno State and two from the Armed Forces.
- A total of 13,806 Nigerian pilgrims have been airlifted back to the country during the ongoing return operation, across 32 flights, according to NAHCON.
- Kebbi State has commenced the weighing of main luggage for pilgrims scheduled on the sixth return flight as preparations continue for their departure from Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabia has announced that the issuance of 2027 Hajj visas will begin on 28, January 2027, while Hajj flight operations are scheduled to commence on the 8, April 2027.
- Registration for the 2027 Hajj exercise is expected to close on September 26, 2026, as countries begin preparations for next year’s pilgrimage.
- Indonesia recorded the world’s largest Hajj contingent in 2026 with over 220,000 pilgrims participating in the pilgrimage.
- Saudi authorities have commenced the annual replacement of the Kiswa of the Holy Ka‘abah, a tradition that has continued for more than a century.
- The new Kiswa consists of 47 black silk panels embroidered with 68 Qur’anic verses using gold-plated silver threads and is being installed by a team of 154 Saudi craftsmen.
- Saudi Arabia says agreements for accommodation, transportation, feeding and other Hajj services for the 2027 season will be processed through the Nusuk platform between July 2026 and January 2027.
- Countries participating in the 2027 Hajj are also expected to complete airline agreements and upload pilgrims’ details into the Nusuk system before visa issuance begins early next year.
Did you know/ fun facts
11. Before aviation, some pilgrims from West Africa crossed deserts and multiple countries to reach Makkah.
12. Millions of litres of drinking water are supplied during Hajj to support pilgrims in the desert climate.
13.The Kiswah covering the Kaaba is replaced every year on the 1st of Muharram after the Hajj season.
14. Traffic plans in Makkah during Hajj differ significantly from those used during the rest of the year.
15. Special lanes are reserved for emergency vehicles around the holy sites during peak Hajj days.
16. Fire-resistant materials are now widely used in Mina’s permanent tent structures.
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