By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. The Kaaba has only one gate, called Bab al-Kaaba, made of solid gold and elevated 2.13 meters from the ground.
2. Masjid Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, has 42 gates for entering. These gates are strategically located and have varying historical significance, with some being dedicated to specific individuals or events.
3. Traditional Hajj Route Simplified: Day 1 (8 Dhul Hijjah): Pilgrims enter Ihram and proceed to Mina (10 km), spending the night in tents. Day 2 (9 Dhul Hijjah): Move to Arafat (15 km) for worship until sunset, then head to Muzdalifah (10 km) to gather pebbles and sleep outdoors under the stars. The following days involve stoning at Jamarat, Tawaf al-Ifadah, animal sacrifice, and symbolic head shaving/cutting.
4. The Mecca Route initiative continues to prioritise elderly pilgrims, offering streamlined entry and special care services.
5. Tabung Haji urges Malaysian pilgrims to activate debit cards before departure for cash access in Mecca.
6. Indonesia launches a Hajj Command Center to oversee and respond to real-time issues during the pilgrimage.
7. India–Pakistan tensions escalate as Hajj flights from Srinagar are cancelled until May 14, affecting pilgrims.
8. Hajj and Umrah Directorate in Syria formally receives and allocates pilgrim accommodation sites in Mecca.
9. Indonesia mourns the death of eight Hajj pilgrims; government affirms their rights and continues full support to families.
10. A new Hajj plan unveiled by Saudi Arabia promotes a guided and moderate pilgrimage experience with stronger supervision.
11. As of today, 37,430 Bangladeshi pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025, officials confirm.
12. AIRPEACE flight P47904 lifted 305 Kogi pilgrims (214 male, 91 female) from Abuja to Madinah this morning at 06:15 hrs. Total airlift so far: 4,687 Nigerian pilgrims across 12 flights.
13. First Nasarawa State pilgrims arrive safely at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah.