Saudi Arabia’s Major Step: Bans Children From Accompanying Pilgrims During 2025 Hajj Season

Hajj is one of the most significant and sacred rituals in Islam, that draws millions of pilgrims from across the globe, to Saudi Arabia, every year. While the rites are performed over 5 to 6 days, the duration of stay is around 40 to 45 days. Many of those who come for the pilgrimage bring their children along to introduce them to this significant experience and teach them more about their religion. However, this is going to change now, after the big update in the rules and regulations. Read to know.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had made a big announcement ahead of the 2025 Hajj. The pilgrims will no longer be allowed to bring their children during the 1446 AH-2025 Hajj Season. This comes as a part of the new measures to enhance the experience.

The Ministry revealed that they made this decision keeping in view the safety and well-being of children who may be at the highest risk of complications owing to congestion and heat. In 2024, around 1301 people lost their lives in Mecca owing to extreme heat.

“This measure is taken to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to avoid exposing them to any harm during the pilgrimage,” the ministry stated.

While it may be surprising, this isn’t the first time it’s happened. In 2009, in response to the Swine Flu Pandemic, Saudi Arabia’s Health Ministers imposed a ban on children along with the elderly and those suffering from chronic medical conditions.

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How Banning Children Will Impact Pilgrims

While the step has been taken keeping in view the well-being of children, we cannot ignore the overall impact on the parents and families. Parents will now need to prepare themselves and their little ones emotionally, which can be more challenging for those with toddlers and small children.

Parents might now need to make special arrangements for the children and look for family members or caregivers to look after their children while they are away. This can strain them emotionally and financially.

While this step might have made the Hajj pilgrimage challenging for some, it has been taken to make Hajj safe for all.

What do you think about this decision? Let us know in the comments.

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