Saudi Arabia Turns Back 270,000 Pilgrims Before Entering Mecca
The Voice News,:270,000 pilgrims have been turned back before entering Mecca after attempting to perform Hajj without official permission, according to Saudi officials on Sunday (June 1).
Every year during the Hajj season, Mecca experiences overwhelming crowds, especially due to unauthorized pilgrims. Last year, more than 1,300 pilgrims died in the intense heat. Following that tragedy, the Saudi government imposed stricter regulations to ensure that no one performs Hajj without proper authorization.
According to official data, around 1.4 million pilgrims have already arrived in Mecca from various parts of the world. The number is expected to increase significantly in the coming days.
The Saudi government has issued strict warnings that performing Hajj without permission will result in hefty fines and other punitive measures—applicable to both Saudi citizens and foreign nationals.
During a press conference in Mecca on Sunday, Hajj officials also stated that even residents of Mecca are not allowed to perform Hajj without prior approval.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is held annually in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah (Zilhajj). Millions of Muslims from almost every country gather in Mecca to perform the pilgrimage, following a series of religious rituals in a structured sequence.