Defying high prices, Muslim pilgrims head to Mecca for haj
Haj, a once-in-a-lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it, is a major source of income for the Saudi government from worshippers' lodging, transport, fees and gifts.
Rahmah haj packages top choice for 35% of pilgrims
The choice is attributed to price difference between the Rahmah haj packages and the haj fee for muassasah pilgrims.
148 years waiting time for Malaysians to perform haj
More than 3.8 million Tabung Haji depositors have registered and are awaiting their turn to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam.
With haj around the corner, still no word on quota increase for Malaysia
The estimated time frame for a decision from Saudi Arabia is also unknown.
Flight ticket cartels behind soaring umrah costs?
Industry players say such activities were detected as far back as five years ago.
Malaysia's RM3 billion pilgrimage 'business' set for further growth despite spiralling costs
The number of umrah pilgrims alone has increased by an estimated 900% over just 25 years.
Jewish worshippers clash with police at pilgrimage site
Israeli police say 'dozens of extremists' broke into a section of the religious site while 'wildly flinging the fences and endangering human life.'
Saudi Arabia expands haj to 1 million pilgrims, easing Covid curbs
Pilgrims to Mecca this year must be under 65 and fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Court allows Zahid release of passport to perform umrah pilgrimage
High Court judge allows his application after the lead prosecutor says the prosecution was instructed not to object.
Compulsory booster jabs for umrah a requirement by Saudi Arabia, says religious affairs minister
Idris Ahmad says Saudi Arabia has issued a circular with which Malaysia must comply.
Saudi Arabia to reopen borders for vaccinated umrah pilgrims
Authorities will begin accepting travel requests from Aug 9.
Pilgrims arrive in Mecca for second pandemic haj
This year's haj, with participants chosen through a lottery, is larger than the pared-down version staged in 2020 but drastically smaller than in normal times.
