More Than 1.5 Million Pilgrims Offer Final Friday Prayer at Grand Mosque Before Hajj

Makkah: More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world, including a large number of Pakistanis, offered the final Friday prayer at Masjid al-Haram before the formal start of the annual Hajj rituals.

An extraordinary crowd gathered for the prayer, with the inner halls and courtyards of the Grand Mosque filling up early in the morning. Due to the overwhelming number of worshippers, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims offered prayers on major roads and alternative routes stretching several kilometers outside the mosque.

Videos circulating from the holy city showed emotional scenes of devotion and enthusiasm among pilgrims. Thousands of worshippers gathered under flyovers connecting Al Aziziyah and the Haram area, using shaded spots to escape the intense heat while listening to the Friday sermon under green and white umbrellas.

Large groups of pilgrims were also seen walking in an organized manner along roads near Masjid Aisha Road and other central routes toward alternative prayer areas. Even areas near construction sites and hotels were transformed into prayer rows.

Because of the unusually large crowds and the Haram reaching full capacity earlier than expected, Saudi authorities temporarily suspended shuttle transport and taxi services to control congestion and ensure security inside the holy mosque.

Authorities also advised elderly pilgrims and women to avoid long journeys to the Haram and instead offer Friday prayers at nearby local mosques close to their hotels.

In view of the extreme heat in Makkah, the Pakistan Hajj Mission urged all pilgrims to strictly follow safety precautions. Pilgrims were advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, carry water bottles, and use umbrellas regularly to protect their health and conserve energy before departing for Mina and Arafat as part of the Hajj rituals.