TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - King Salman of Saudi Arabia has invited 1,000 Palestinian citizens to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year. This special group includes families of those affected by conflict. As reported by the Saudi Gazette, this program is part of the Kingdom's ongoing initiatives to support various communities.
Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance, and General Supervisor of the program, expressed his gratitude to King Salman, Crown Prince, and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the invitation. He highlighted that this invitation underscores Saudi's steadfast commitment to supporting Palestinian citizens.
Al-Sheikh further emphasized that this initiative is a continuation of the leadership's efforts to facilitate the Hajj ritual for the Palestinian people. He confirmed that the Saudi government would cover all expenses for the pilgrims during their stay in Mecca and Madinah.
Last year, King Salman also invited 1,000 pilgrims from 66 countries to perform Umrah. That program was part of the Two Holy Mosques Care Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, accommodating pilgrims in four groups that concluded in June 2025.
As the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage approaches in the first week of June 2025, pilgrims are being advised to conserve their physical energy. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has recommended that pilgrims minimize strenuous activities, such as extensive sightseeing outside the main cities, and instead focus on preparing themselves physically by following Hajj ritual guidance at their hotels.
"We advise the pilgrims to reduce heavy physical activities such as visiting areas outside the city for Hajj or performing Sunnah Umrah repeatedly," stated Akhmad Fauzin, Head of Public Relations and Communications of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, as reported by Antara.
Editor's Choice: Why Israeli Forces Continue Targeting Hospitals in Gaza
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Saudi Arabia Arrests 6 Indonesian Citizens Suspected of Offering Illegal Dams
7 jam lalu
Six Indonesian citizens or WNI were arrested by the police in Medina, Saudi Arabia, on suspicion of promoting illegal dam payments.
Only 9 Aid Trucks Allowed to Enter Gaza as Israel Eases Blockade After Nearly 3 Months
23 jam lalu
Since March 2, Israel has kept all border crossings into Gaza closed for the delivery of food, medicine, and other humanitarian supplies.
Indonesia, Thailand Call for Ceasefire in Palestine
1 hari lalu
Besides Palestine, the Indonesian and Thai governments also discussed the ongoing crisis in Myanmar during the meeting
117 Indonesian Pilgrims Using Work Visas to Perform Hajj Denied Entry by Saudi Immigration
3 hari lalu
Immigration grew suspicious as some elderly Indonesians held worker visas, suggesting intent to perform hajj. They repatriated them on May 15, 2025.
Prabowo, Albanese Call for Peace in Gaza and Ukraine, Back Two-State Solution
3 hari lalu
On the Gaza situation, Prabowo and Albanese emphasized the need for all parties to maintain the ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.
MERS-CoV Detected in Saudi Arabia; Hajj Pilgrims Urged to Exercise Vigilance
4 hari lalu
According to WHO data, the Saudi Ministry of Health reported nine positive cases of MERS-CoV between March 1 and April 21, 2025.
A Guide to Sending Hajj Souvenirs to Indonesia
4 hari lalu
Want to send souvenirs from the Hajj in Saudi Arabia to Indonesia? Check out the complete guide for shipping the items below
OIC Parliamentary Union Wraps Up with Jakarta Declaration
4 hari lalu
The 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC (PUIC) resulted in several recommendations named the Jakarta Declaration
Trump's Middle East Trip: 5 Key Highlights
4 hari lalu
During his visit, Trump secured promises of hundreds of dollars in investment from Saudi Arabia and strengthened ties with Middle Eastern countries
Deals Worth Billions: What Trump Secured in the Middle East
4 hari lalu
Donald Trump overcame big deals in the Middle East, including weapon sales, investments, and urging Syria-Israel reconciliation.
