Mecca
Mecca reopens for limited 'umrah' pilgrimage
The umrah, the pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time, usually attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year but it was suspended in March...
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Mecca to reopen for limited pilgrimages after 7-month pause for virus
The umrah, the pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time, usually attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year.
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Muslims begin downsized hajj amid pandemic
Mask-clad Muslim pilgrims on Wednesday began the annual hajj, dramatically downsized this year as the Saudi hosts strive to prevent a coronavirus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage.
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CT Muslim pilgrims left stranded after tour operator disappears with funds
According to the Jamiatul Ulama Council of Theologians, around 40 Capetonians were unable to perform umrah in Saudi Arabia last month because their operator disappeared with their funds.
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Two million Muslim hajj pilgrims scale Mount Arafat
Raising their palms skywards, the pilgrims set off on the climb to the summit where they hold prayers to atone for their sins in a ritual that is regarded as the high point of the annual hajj.
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More than two million Muslims begin hajj pilgrimage
The hajj, one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings, is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken by all Muslims with the means at least once in their lives.
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Muslim pilgrims climb Mount Arafat for peak of hajj
A sea of worshippers scaled the rocky hill southeast of the holy city of Mecca for a day of prayers and reflection where Muslims believe Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon.
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Bomber planning to attack Mecca’s Grand Mosque blows himself up – ministry
The ministry said that three cells had planned the attack on worshippers and security forces at the mosque as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan nears its climax.
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'Death toll in Saudi hajj disaster at least 2,070'
The figure is based on information provided by the state & religious authorities and local media.
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As insults fly: Iran, Saudi Hajj row aggravates regional rifts
The disaster is unlikely to be a game changer in the contest between Iran & Saudi Arabia.
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Iran's Rouhani calls for investigation into hajj crush
Rouhani emphasised the need for an investigation into the causes of this incident and other similar incidents.
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Saudi health minister: Death toll in hajj crush rises to 769
The effort to uncover the facts and assign blame was likely to grow more acute and possibly more political.
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Dirco confirms no SA casualties in hajj stampede
The department says SA’s embassy in Saudi Arabia has not received any reports of injuries or fatalities.
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Inside the Mecca hajj tragedy
Inside the Mecca hajj tragedy
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No confirmation if South Africans were victims of Hajj stampede
Over 700 pilgrims died during a stampede at the world’s largest annual gathering.
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Undisciplined pilgrims blamed for deadly Hajj stampede
Over 700 people died on Thursday and more than 800 others were injured during the stampede.
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SA extends condolences to hajj stampede victims
Over 700 pilgrims were crushed in a stampede in the tent city of Mina, which also left hundreds more injured.
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Hajj stampede worst disaster to hit pilgrimage in 25 years
At least 717 people have been confirmed dead and many hundreds more have been injured.
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Mecca: Worst stampedes in the history of hajj
Eyewitness News looks at some of the deadliest crushes in recent history of the hajj.
