By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. In Rabuah, Makkah, service provider Mashariq Al Dhahabia hosted a pre-Arafat reception for pilgrims from Yobe, Benue, and Jigawa under Service Centre 205. The event paid homage to age-old Makkah traditions of welcoming pilgrims with care and honour.

2. Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, arrived in Madinah aboard the 10th and final flight from Kebbi. He was welcomed by the Emir of Argungu and other state Hajj officials.

3. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has recorded and successfully treated 5 cases of heat exhaustion. Over 78,000 medical services have been provided so far, including 46,000+ primary care visits and 17,000 emergency cases.

4. Maldives President, Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamedare performing Hajj this year, along with a high-level delegation. Their journey is fully hosted by the Saudi government.

5. Saudi Arabia has halted issuance of furoda visas, leaving thousands of Indonesian pilgrims stranded just days to Arafat. Many had paid premium fees, hoping to bypass the official quota.

6. A 60-year-old Moroccan pilgrim Hajja Naima Nadeem finally fulfilled her lifelong dream to fly for the first time straight to Mecca for Hajj after 25 years of heartfelt prayers.

7. Amid tightened U.S. immigration policies, Muslim pilgrims from the U.S. are concerned about visa scrutiny and re-entry challenges. CAIR advises spiritual travelers to prepare legal safeguards before departure.

8. Indonesia’s Committee III of DPD reported violations of pilgrims’ rights and subpar services from Saudi Hajj operators. A call for fair and humane treatment has been issued.

9. As of today, 80,723 Bangladeshi pilgrims have landed in Saudi Arabia on 208 flights. Sadly, 15 deaths have been reported due to age and health complications.

10. A Yemenia Airways aircraft preparing for Hajj was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike at Sana’a International Airport. No casualties were reported, but the loss of Yemen’s last operating plane is a major setback.

11. After a two-year break due to financial constraints, 90 South Sudanese pilgrimsdeparted Juba for Hajj. Officials say each pilgrim paid approximately $5,000 for the journey.

12. Did You Know?: The Kiswa cost around 6 million USD, cost estimates vary, but it is valued at around 22 million SAR, around 6 million USD. The Kaaba cover is replaced annually on the Day of Arafah, the ninth day of the Hajj month of Dhu al-Hijjah.

13. Fun Fact: The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) praised women who perform Hajj, calling them “Mujahidahs” warriors in the path of Allah.

14. Did You Know?: Women aged 45 and above from some countries are legally allowed to perform Hajj without a male guardian, if travelling in approved female groups.