The Grand Mosque receives 904,000 Umrah pilgrims in one day during Ramadan
The Grand Mosque in Mecca witnessed an exceptional display of faith on Saturday, the fourth of Ramadan 1445 AH, as it welcomed over 904,000 pilgrims and worshippers who came to perform Umrah and worship within the precincts of the Holy Mosque. This record number reflects the massive influx of visitors to the Grand Mosque during the early days of the holy month and highlights the tremendous efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure a safe and accessible spiritual experience for the pilgrims.
Historical context and importance of Umrah during Ramadan
Performing Umrah during Ramadan holds a special place for Muslims worldwide, as it is a month in which good deeds are multiplied and spirituality pervades. This significance is based on a Prophetic tradition stating that “Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj,” making it a goal and a destination for millions of Muslims who yearn to attain this great reward. Throughout history, the Grand Mosque in Mecca has been the focus of hearts during this month, where the meaning of Islamic unity is embodied by the influx of pilgrims from diverse backgrounds and cultures, united under the banner of faith in the holiest place on earth.
Integrated efforts within Vision 2030
Managing these millions of pilgrims is the result of an integrated service system overseen by the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, in cooperation with all security and service agencies. This system operates around the clock to implement precise operational plans that include crowd management through designated routes for Tawaf and Sa'i, and intensified, continuous cleaning and sanitization to ensure a healthy and safe environment. The latest technologies and digital solutions are also utilized, such as smartphone applications and multilingual e-guidance services, to facilitate the pilgrim's journey. These efforts align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 , which prioritizes serving the guests of God and aims to increase capacity and develop services provided to pilgrims and Umrah performers according to the highest international standards.
Local and international impact
The impact of this event is not limited to the local level, but extends to the entire Muslim world. The Kingdom's success in organizing and managing these massive numbers reinforces its position as a leader of the Islamic world and a pioneer in serving the Two Holy Mosques. Regionally and internationally, the Ramadan Umrah season represents a significant boost to religious tourism, positively impacting the local economies of Makkah and Madinah. Most importantly, this great gathering of believers strengthens the values of brotherhood and peace among peoples and presents a civilized image of Islam, which calls for unity and tranquility. With the expectation of a significant increase in numbers during the last ten days of Ramadan, the highest level of preparedness and readiness continues to provide the finest services to the visitors of the Holy Mosque.
