Islamabad, May 18, 2025: As the sacred journey of Hajj draws near, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a crucial safety advisory to all pilgrims: do not lie down or sleep in corridors, aisles, or courtyards within the holy sites.
This Hajj 2025 warning comes amid growing concerns over crowd control and emergency access during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
The ministry stated that blocking passageways poses a significant danger—not only to the individual but also to the millions of worshippers present.
“Spreading out in corridors or sleeping in open areas disrupts the flow of pilgrims and delays emergency responders,” a ministry official said. “We urge everyone to cooperate and follow the guidelines to protect themselves and others.”
The advisory echoes previous years’ concerns, especially after incidents where blocked paths made it difficult for medical teams to reach those in distress.
According to data from the 2023 pilgrimage, over 1,500 heat exhaustion cases were reported—many of which could have been reached sooner if pathways had remained clear.
Hajj experts and scholars also backed the ministry’s stance. “Islam emphasizes discipline and the collective welfare of the Ummah,” said Dr. Farooq Niazi, an Islamic scholar and Hajj guide. “Ignoring such instructions is not just a logistical issue—it’s a religious responsibility.”
Comparatively, other countries with large pilgrimage events, like India’s Kumbh Mela, have also implemented strict crowd movement protocols after facing similar challenges.
As the Hajj 2025 season unfolds, Saudi authorities continue to improve safety infrastructure, deploy thousands of volunteers, and roll out digital tools to manage movement.
Read More: 115000 Pakistani Pilgrims Will Perform Hajj
Pilgrims are reminded that simple actions, like not sleeping in thoroughfares, can prevent tragedy and ensure a spiritually fulfilling experience for all.
