Ramadan: 97 million Worshippers Visit Saudi Holy Mosques
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Nearly 97 million Umrah pilgrims and worshippers have visited Saudi Arabia’s two holiest mosques during the first twenty days of Ramadan 2026, reflecting an unprecedented surge in religious activity across the Kingdom.
Official statistics indicate that the majority of visitors converged on the Masjid al-Haram in the holy city of Makkah, where millions gathered daily to observe prayers and perform the lesser pilgrimage, Umrah.
Data released by authorities show that more than 57.5 million worshippers attended the five daily prayers and special Qiyam prayers at the Grand Mosque during the first twenty days of the holy month.
In the same period, approximately 15.6 million pilgrims performed Umrah, underscoring the continued influx of faithful from across the world seeking spiritual fulfilment during Ramadan.
At the Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, over 21.1 million worshippers participated in congregational prayers, adding to the massive turnout recorded across the two sacred sites.
READ ALSO: https://hajjgazette.com/saudi-urges-pilgrims-to-plan-visits-as-umrah-crowds-hit-makkah/
Authorities further disclosed that about 1.7 million visitors offered salutations to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) at his resting place inside the Prophet’s Mosque.
In addition, more than 579,000 worshippers performed prayers at the revered Ar-Rawdah Ash-Sharifa, a highly significant area located between the Prophet’s pulpit and his tomb, often described in Islamic tradition as one of the gardens of Paradise.
The remarkable turnout highlights the global appeal of the two holy mosques during Ramadan, a period when Muslims intensify acts of worship, charity, and spiritual reflection.
Saudi authorities have continued to deploy extensive logistical, security, and crowd-management measures to accommodate the influx of pilgrims and worshippers.
Enhanced services, including transportation coordination, medical support, and organized prayer arrangements, have been implemented to ensure smooth movement and safety within the sacred precincts.
Officials say the strong attendance figures reflect both improved operational planning and the growing number of Muslims seeking to observe Ramadan in the Kingdom’s most revered religious sites.
