Hajj Flakes – Sunday, 1 June 2025 | 5 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH

By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. In 72 hours, over 1.5 million pilgrims will begin moving to Mina as Hajj rites officially commence.

2. Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended block work visas for 14 countries, including Nigeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, and Indonesia, until June 2025, to manage migration and ensure security during Hajj.

3. Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has clarified reports about male and female pilgrims sharing the same hotel in Makkah, explaining that strict gender segregation was maintained within the building due to logistical constraints.

4. The Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) has deployed 120 cameras, 14 TV transport vehicles, and 12 satellite trucks to cover the Hajj globally, supported by a new documentary on SBA’s efforts.

5. First groups of Qatari pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia via Qatar Airways and Saudi Airlines under the coordination of 17 accredited Hajj campaigns.

6. Chinese pilgrims went viral after voluntarily cleaning up the area outside their Makkah residence, demonstrating reverence for the holy city.

7. The Qatari Hajj Mission has partnered with Saudi German Hospital to provide 24/7 comprehensive healthcare at Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, with an all-Qatari medical team.

8. Saudi Arabia will supply over 1 million cubic metres of water daily during peak Hajj days, following the completion of 18 major infrastructure projects. (Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture)

9. Movable sunshades fitted with mist fans have been installed at Mount Arafat for the first time to shield pilgrims from extreme heat. Each opens in less than 150 seconds.

10. Currently, the Saudi medical teams have performed 120 cardiac catheterizations, 11 open-heart surgeries, and treated 25 heat stress cases so far this Hajj season.

11. Did You Know?: The Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) was once stolen by the Qarmatians in 930 CE and returned 22 years later.

12. Fun Fact: In 1864, cholera outbreaks during Hajj led to international health reforms and pilgrim health protocols.

13. Fun Fact: In 1324, Mansa Musa, the ruler of Mali, performed Hajj with a caravan of 60,000 people, distributing so much gold that it affected the economy of Egypt!

14. Fun Fact: Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (RA) expanded the Masjid al-Haram to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.

15. Did You Know?: The first Hajj passports were introduced in the early 20th century to control overcrowding and enhance security.

16. Did You Know?: In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 1,000 residents of Saudi Arabia were allowed to perform Hajj, the lowest in modern history.

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