India has retained its Hajj quota of 175,025 for 2026, the same as in 2025, following an agreement signed in Jeddah between Saudi Hajj Minister Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah and Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju. The talks focused on improving accommodation, transport, and health services to ensure a comfortable pilgrimage.
Abid is the second person in India after Shihab Chottur from Kerala to achieve such a feat while fulfilling the Hajj pilgrimage, which is obligatory on every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it.
According to traditional sayings of the prophet, the Day of Arafat is the most sacred day of the year, when God draws near to the faithful and forgives their sins.
Rijiju took to social media to inform that all arrangements have been done as per Saudi rules, regulations and their timelines, while HCOI and CGI have completed all the work for 1,22,000 pilgrims on time.
Delhi Hajj Committee chief Kausar Jahan said that 4,314 Muslim women from India performed the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia's Mecca, without 'Mehram' or male guardian.
Two from Hyderabad and three from Rajasthan died in a car crash, while being on their way to perform Umrah in Saudia on Thursday night. Another Hyderabadi is critically injured and battling for his life in Hospial.
Eid al-Adha is the second Islamic festival of the year and follows Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The date changes every year, as it's based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
