Over 8 Million Muslims Perform Umrah During Ramadan 2024
As the first half of the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reports that over 8 million Muslims have already performed Umrah, a sacred pilgrimage, since the beginning of the season.
A staggering 8,235,680 individuals have participated in the ritual, converging on the cities of Medina and Mecca, which have been bustling with pilgrims from around the world. Ramadan holds profound significance in the Islamic calendar, marked by spiritual reflection, prayer, and acts of charity.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset, dedicating themselves to spiritual pursuits. Umrah, though not obligatory like Hajj, holds great importance for Muslims and can be performed at any time of the year.
The Grand Mosque in Mecca witnesses a surge in visitors during Ramadan, with hundreds of thousands of Muslims arriving from both within and outside Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah and engage in prayers.
To manage the influx of pilgrims and prevent overcrowding, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently implemented restrictions on performing Umrah more than once during Ramadan. This measure aims to ensure fair access to Umrah for all and alleviate congestion during peak periods. The Nusuk platform, an electronic portal for Umrah permits, will now restrict users from requesting a second permit for Umrah during Ramadan.
As Ramadan progresses, Muslims continue to flock to Mecca and Medina, embracing the spiritual essence of the holy month through acts of worship and devotion. The pilgrimage experience, coupled with the communal spirit of Ramadan, strengthens the bonds of faith and solidarity among believers worldwide.
