OUR DRIVE-The atmosphere at the Grand Mosque was observed to be quiet ahead of the arrival of the Hajj pilgrims in 2026.
This phenomenon routinely occurs after the end of the Umrah season, as the city of Makkah prepares to welcome the Hajj season 1447 Hijriah.
The tawaf area and Kaaba courtyard look much more spacious.
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This condition provides more space for Muslims to pray comfortably, including easier access to the Black Stone, Multazam, and Hijr Ismail which are usually crowded together.
A similar situation was seen on the Sai route between Bukit Safa and Marwah. The congregation was observed to freely carry out worship without significant crowding.
The silence of this holy area was triggered by the Saudi Arabian government’s policy which began restricting access to Mecca from April 13 2026.
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This provision requires every individual to have official permission to enter the holy city before the peak of the Hajj.
Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), Ichsan Marsha, said that this step was aimed at ensuring that the implementation of worship was safe and orderly.
“The Saudi Arabian government annually implements access controls to Mecca ahead of the peak Hajj season. This is important to ensure that the implementation of worship takes place safely, orderly and in accordance with the predetermined capacity,” said Ichsan.
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Currently, only Makkah residence permit (iqamah) holders, official Hajj visa holders, and workers with special permits at the holy site are allowed to enter.
Outside these criteria, officers will refuse visits at various city entrance checkpoints.
The Saudi Arabian government has also set the final deadline for departure for Umrah pilgrims on April 18, 2026.
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On the same date until May 31 2026, the issuance of Umrah permits via the Nusuk application will be temporarily suspended.
Ichsan emphasized the importance of compliance with the principle of “No Hajj Without Permission”.
He appealed to Indonesian citizens (WNI) not to be tempted by illegal Hajj offers using non-hajj visas.
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“We remind those who are going to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to ensure that the visa used is a Hajj visa. Not an Umrah, amil/work, tourist, pilgrimage visa, or any other visa other than the Hajj visa. Don’t be tempted to go on Hajj without a Hajj visa. That’s illegal,” he said.
The Indonesian Ministry of Haj continues to coordinate with the Saudi Arabian authorities to ensure that the Hajj pilgrimage for Indonesian pilgrims runs smoothly and safely.***
