By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. Over 250 Nigerian Pilgrims will miss this Year’s Hajj, due to delay from their private agents to process their Hajj Visas. Hajj Visas portal closed 21st May 2025 .

2. As of today, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) reports that 34,647 Nigerian pilgrims have arrived in Makkah from Madinah to observe the 2025 Hajj rites.

3. Saudi Arabia has officially closed visa issuance for Hajj 2025 to all participating countries, according to the NUSUK Info Centre. This finalises the entry process ahead of the major Hajj rituals.

4. A Nigerian female pilgrim from Zamfara State has safely delivered a baby in Madinah Al-Munawwarah. Both mother and child are reported to be in good condition.

5. The Ministry of Interior announces the arrest of 9 Saudi citizens and 5 expatriates at Makkah entry points for transporting 44 individuals without Hajj permits. Penalties include imprisonment, fines up to SR100,000, vehicle confiscation, and deportation with a 10-year reentry ban.

6. The UAE General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf) imposes a Dhs50,000 fine on UAE citizens arriving in Saudi Arabia without a valid Hajj permit.

7. Nigeria mourns the loss of Alh Saleh, Chairman of Lokpanta Cattle Market in Abia State. His Janaiza will be held today at Masjid Al Haram after Zuhr prayer.

8. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja sponsors 47 Imams from underprivileged areas to perform Hajj, covering all travel and accommodation expenses. The group departed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday.

9. Sudan’s improved security situation leads to an increase in pilgrims to 11,500 this year, according to Dr. Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Secretary of Sudan’s Hajj and Umrah Secretariat.

10. Nearly 2,000 Kyrgyzstanis have arrived in Mecca to perform Hajj, reports the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan.

11. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque announces the Mataf area now accommodates up to 107,000 pilgrims per hour, with dedicated gates easing Tawaf movement.

12. Did you know?: This year’s oldest pilgrim is 109-year-old grandmother Sumbuk from Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation and top Hajj delegation sender in 2025. In 2024, the oldest recorded pilgrim was Sarahouda Stiti, a 130-year-old woman from Algeria one of the oldest known in modern history.

13. Did you know?: The three types of Hajj are Tamattu’ (Umrah then Hajj, two Ihrams), Ifrad (Hajj only), and Qiran (combining Umrah and Hajj with one Ihram). Hajj al-Tamattu’ is the most recommended form.

14. Did you know?: Leaving Muzdalifah before dawn contradicts the Sunnah; those who do must offer a sacrificial animal. Staying till dawn is the recommended practice.

15. Did you know?: Tawaf al-Qudum (Arrival Tawaf) Spiritual “check-in” at the Kaaba for pilgrims doing Hajj Qiran or Ifrad. Sunnah, not compulsory, but a beautiful Hajj start.

16. Did you know?: Tawaf al-Ifadah (Tawaf of Pouring Forth) The main and obligatory Tawaf of Hajj, done after Mina on 10th Dhul-Hijjah. Skipping invalidates your Hajj!

17. Did you know?: Tawaf al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf) Your “goodbye hug” to the Kaaba before leaving Makkah. Mandatory for all except menstruating women; missing it without excuse requires a penalty (dam).

18. Did you know?: Tawaf al-Umrah (Umrah Tawaf) Part of Umrah, whether standalone or in Hajj Tamattu’. Followed by Sa’i and shaving/trimming.

19. Did you know?: Tawaf al-Nafl (Voluntary/Supererogatory Tawaf) Perform anytime, day or night—even outside Hajj or Umrah. Each 7-round circuit brings immense spiritual rewards.

20. Did you know?: Tawaf al-Tahiyyah (Greeting Tawaf) Like praying two rak’ahs on mosque entry, this is your respectful greeting to the Kaaba upon entering Haram.

21. Fun facts: All Tawafs are 7 anti-clockwise rounds starting and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). After every Tawaf (except Tawaf al-Wada’), praying 2 rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim is recommended if possible. No Ihram required for Nafl or Tahiyyah Tawaf.