Saudi Update: Pilgrims Exit State of Ihram as Major Hajj Rites Conclude
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage have fully exited the state of Ihram following the completion of Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i at Al-Masjid al-Haram.
The completion of the rites signifies the conclusion of the major obligations of Hajj, leaving only Tawaf al-Wada’, the farewell circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba, before pilgrims depart the holy city of Makkah.
With the completion of Tawaf al-Ifadah, all restrictions associated with Ihram have now been lifted, including the use of perfume and marital relations.
Earlier on Wednesday, large numbers of pilgrims moved to the Grand Mosque to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, one of the essential pillars of Hajj.
Many pilgrims, especially those observing Tamattu’ Hajj, also completed Sa’i between Safa and Marwah after the circumambulation.
Due to the massive turnout at the Haram, the combined rites reportedly took several hours to complete, with many worshippers observing Asr and Maghrib prayers within and around the mosque premises.
Islamic scholars maintain that while performing Tawaf al-Ifadah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah is considered Sunnah, the rite remains valid throughout the days of Dhul Hijjah.
The successful completion of the major Hajj rites marks another significant stage in the annual pilgrimage, as millions of Muslims from across the world continue prayers and acts of worship in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have continued to manage the movement of pilgrims across the holy sites to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage activities.
