The Islamic Information

Hajj 2026 Updates: Performing Hajj without a permit can lead to fines up to 100000 SAR, deportation, and a 10-year entry ban. The rules also penalize those who help violators. These measures support safe and orderly pilgrimage operations. (16-April-2026) Details: theislamicinformation.com/news/hajj-2026…

Pakistan introduced free SIM cards with data and call packages for Hajj 2026 pilgrims. Long package travelers get 40GB and 600 minutes; short package receives 25GB and 300 minutes. One SIM per passport is issued to ensure secure, supported connectivity during the pilgrimage. Details: theislamicinformation.com/news/hajj-2026…

The International Food Section at Gate 21 of Al Masjid Al-Nabawi is being removed for crowd flow improvements. Pilgrims can use nearby dining options while redevelopment takes place. No official statement has been issued yet on future plans for the space. theislamicinformation.com/news/food-stal…

🇮🇩 NEWS: Indonesia's Hajj 2026 officials begin departing for Saudi Arabia starting April 17. The advance team left April 13, followed by Airport and Medina working area staff on April 17-18. Makkah teams depart April 22-23, with Amirul Hajj scheduled for May 19. Indonesia's Hajj quota is 221,000 pilgrims this year, with first pilgrims arriving at dormitories April 21 and departing for the Holy Land April 22.

Sheikh Sudais confirmed Hajj without a permit contradicts Shariah principles. The permit system, introduced to protect pilgrims and ensure orderly worship, reflects Islamic values of safety and discipline. Pilgrims are urged to comply with official guidelines for a spiritually fulfilling and secure Hajj experience. Details: theislamicinformation.com/news/sheikh-su…

The Kaaba in White First Time in 1000 Years

HAJJ 2026 UPDATES: Mina tent camp preparations for Hajj have begun, with upgraded infrastructure, safety measures, and support services. Authorities introduced new crowd management tools and trained staff to ensure a secure, comfortable experience for all pilgrims performing the sacred rites.

Madinah's hotels now ban portable gas stoves and cylinders for guest safety. The rule, based on national hospitality regulations, requires facilities to enforce the restriction and inform visitors. Travelers should plan meals using available hotel services to ensure a smooth, compliant stay. Details: theislamicinformation.com/news/madinah-h…

🇸🇦 NEWS: Heavy thunderstorms with active winds and dust storms are expected today (14-April-2026) in the Holy city of Makkah. The National Center for Meteorology issued a weather report.

The Holy Kaaba in Makkah is currently going through its longest maintenance period since the COVID-19 era. Workers have temporarily removed parts of the Kiswa, the black cloth that covers the Kaaba, to inspect and repair the walls and structure underneath. A white cloth has been placed over the Kaaba to protect it during the work. Barriers have been put up around the Kaaba, but pilgrims can still perform Tawaf in the surrounding area. The last time the Kaaba was closed off for this long was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when barriers were first put up in March 2020 and only removed in August 2022. This maintenance is taking place ahead of Hajj 2026, as Saudi authorities work to ensure the Kaaba is in the best condition before millions of pilgrims arrive.

Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry has confirmed that only Hajj visa and permit holders can perform Hajj 2026 — visit, transit, Umrah, and tourism visa holders are strictly prohibited. Anyone caught violating the rule faces a SAR 20,000 fine, deportation, and a 10-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia. Citizens and residents must get their Hajj permit through the Nusuk App. Do not attempt Hajj without the correct authorisation. Details: theislamicinformation.com/news/only-hajj…

🇸🇦 UPDATE: Barriers placed in front of Masjid an-Nabawi on April 6 had been removed on April 9. Authorities installed a new gateway with four arches and a digital signage panel for pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia has inaugurated the Rabigh Qadeena project in Mina — 62 buildings across 33,000 m² housing up to 30,000 pilgrims near the Jamarat. Each tower has prayer halls, dining halls, medical clinics, and cooling systems. Separate pedestrian and bus corridors plus crowd-monitoring technology will make movement near Jamarat safer and more organised. Mina is gradually shifting from tents to modern towers. Details: theislamicinformation.com/news/the-rabig…

Saudi Arabia has launched online Makkah entry permits through the Absher and Muqeem portals ahead of Hajj 2026. GCC citizens, residents, and family members apply through Absher while Makkah-based workers apply through Muqeem. Entry restrictions into Makkah are already in force from April 13 — no valid permit means no entry. Apply online now to avoid any issues during the Hajj season. Details: theislamicinformation.com/news/hajj-2026…

🇸🇦 NEWS: Makkah's Holy Quran Museum in the Hira Cultural District displays a rare 17th-century mosaic depicting the opening verses of the Holy Quran. The artwork masterfully blends Arabic calligraphy with Islamic decorative arts, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. The original manuscript is preserved at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Endowment Libraries.

Saudi Arabia has started enforcing Hajj entry restrictions into Makkah from Monday, April 13, 2026. No one can enter the Holy City without a Hajj permit, a Makkah residency ID, or a Makkah work permit. The restrictions are in place as the Kingdom prepares for Hajj 2026 starting around May 25. Make sure you have the right documents before travelling to Makkah. Details: theislamicinformation.com/news/entry-mak…

Things You Should Never Curse in Islam

Duas for the each step of Umrah.

🇸🇦 NEWS: A Saudi citizen's quick CPR response saved a 1.5-year-old girl's life at Quba Mosque in Madinah after cardiac and respiratory arrest. The first responder, trained by Saudi Red Crescent Authority, provided critical care before ambulance teams arrived, successfully restoring the child's pulse and consciousness. This incident highlights the vital role of community first responders in emergency situations.

🇸🇦 NEWS: Barriers that had been placed in front of Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) on April 6 have now been removed as of April 10, 2026.