How Many Muslims Perform Hajj Every Year? | Real Data & Trends

What is Hajj and Why is it Important?

Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred obligation for every physically and financially capable Muslim to undertake at least once in their lifetime. Far more than a pilgrimage to Mecca, Hajj is a transformative spiritual journey that allows Muslims to answer Allah’s call, seek purification, gain forgiveness for sins, and grow closer to Allah.

When and How is Hajj Performed?

Hajj takes place annually from the 8th to 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, the Islamic lunar month. During these sacred days, millions of Muslims perform a series of profound Hajj rituals, including:

• Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba in Mecca, a symbol of devotion.
• Sa’i: Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
• Arafat: Standing in prayer on the plains of Arafat, seeking Allah’s mercy.
• Muzdalifah: Spending the night under the open sky in reflection.
• Mina: Performing the stoning of the devil and offering a sacrifice.

These acts embody faith, unity, and submission to Allah, making Hajj a cornerstone of Islamic worship.

How Many People Participate in Hajj Each Year?

The number of Hajj participants is staggering. On average, 2 to 3 million Muslims perform Hajj annually. However, this number varies depending on global circumstances, Saudi Arabia’s quota system, and health regulations.

Recent Hajj Statistics (According to GASTAT):

Three Main Reasons for Performing Hajj

1. Spiritual Liberation
   Hajj offers the promise of forgiveness for past sins. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
   “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s pleasure and avoids obscene and sinful acts returns as pure as a newborn.”
2. Unity of the Muslim Ummah
   Millions of Muslims from around the world wear the same Ihram and participate in the same rituals, showcasing Islam’s unity and brotherhood.
3. Lessons of History and Sacrifice
   Every part of Hajj carries lessons from the sacrifices and faith of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hagar (AS), and Ismail (AS).

How is the Number of Pilgrims Determined?

1. Quota System
   Saudi Arabia allocates Hajj visas based on a country’s Muslim population, typically one visa per 1,000 Muslims. Examples (2023):
   • Indonesia: 229,000 visas
   • Pakistan: 179,210 visas
   • India: 175,025 visas
2. Safety and Crowd Control
   Past incidents, such as stampedes in 1998 and 2006, have led Saudi authorities to limit quotas and enhance safety and health measures.
3. Nusuk Platform
   Since 2023, the Saudi government introduced the “Nusuk” online platform, allowing pilgrims to apply for Hajj visas directly.

Sources of Pilgrims: Where Do They Come From?

• Domestic Pilgrims (Saudi Citizens and Residents)
  In 2024, approximately 222,000 domestic pilgrims participated, accounting for 12.1% of the total.
• Foreign Pilgrims
  Over 1.6 million foreign pilgrims participated in 2024. Regional breakdown:
  • Asia (excluding Arab countries): 63.3%
  • Arab countries: 22.3%
  • Africa (excluding Arab countries): 11.3%
  • Europe, Americas, Australia: 3.2%

Modes of Arrival:

• By air: 1,546,345
• By road: 60,251
• By sea: 4,741

Economic Impact of Hajj

• Revenue from Hajj and Umrah: Approximately $12 billion annually.
• Contribution to Non-Oil Economy: Accounts for about 20% of Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy.
• Related Sectors: Hotels, transportation, food services, medical services, and guiding.

Social Impact of Hajj

• Promotes harmony and cultural exchange among Muslims from different countries.
• Strengthens global Muslim unity and brotherhood.
• Pilgrims experience spiritual purification and renewed purpose in life.

Health and Safety Management During Hajj

• Healthcare: Over 180 hospitals, mobile clinics, and medical units are prepared annually.
• Risks: Heatstroke, dehydration, meningitis, influenza, etc.
• Mandatory Vaccinations: Certain vaccines are required for Hajj participation.

Challenges of Hajj Participation

1. Crowds and Stampedes
   The presence of millions in one place poses risks of accidents.
2. High Temperatures
   Middle Eastern heat is challenging, with deaths reported due to heat in 2024.
3. Unauthorized Pilgrims
   Those without visas lack access to air-conditioned tents or medical facilities.

Preparation for Hajj

1. Religious Preparation
   • Learn rituals like Tawaf, Sa’i, supplications, and sacrifice.
   • Attend Islamic courses or read relevant books.
2. Financial Preparation
   • Costs range from $4,000–$8,000 (BDT 4–8 lakh).
   • Prepare bank accounts and necessary documents.
3. Physical Preparation
   • Practice walking 5–10 km daily.
   • Take required vaccinations.
4. Visa Application
   • Apply via the Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) or the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
5. For Female Pilgrims
   • A Mahram (husband, father, or brother) is mandatory.

Spiritual Significance of Hajj

Hajj is not merely a journey but a transformative act of worship. It allows Muslims to:

• Seek forgiveness for sins.
• Strengthen their faith.
• Feel part of the global Muslim community.

Future Plans: 2030 and Beyond

Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, preparations are underway to accommodate 30 million pilgrims annually through:

• New hotels.
• Modern Hajj trains and metro connectivity.
• Advanced medical facilities.
• Digital visa and tracking systems.

Conclusion

Hajj is more than an act of worship—it is a collective spiritual journey for millions of Muslims. On average, 2–3 million people participate annually, with over 1.8 million in 2024, and numbers are expected to grow in 2025. If you aspire to perform Hajj, start preparing today—learn, plan, and seize this extraordinary opportunity to draw closer to Allah.

✨ Call to Action:

To learn more or plan for Hajj, consult your local mosque’s Imam, Islamic scholars, or visit the Ministry of Religious Affairs website (www.hajj.gov.bd).

🔗 Apply for a visa directly via the Nusuk Platform.

🕋 Prepare, train, and pray for an accepted Hajj. May Allah accept your Hajj. Ameen.