Hajj 2026: National Hajj Commission Urges Measures to Prevent Pilgrims Getting Lost or Missing
The Hajj peak movement towards Armuzna (Arafah, Mina, and Muzdalifah) begins today, 25 May 2026 or 8 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH. The National Hajj Commission (Komnas Haji) has urged the government to prepare for potential cases of pilgrims going missing or becoming lost.
Pilgrims are being gradually mobilised from hotels in Mecca to Arafah for the wuquf (standing) ritual tomorrow, 26 May 2026 (9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH), joining approximately 1.6 million pilgrims from around the world.
Subsequently, pilgrims will move to Muzdalifah for overnight stay (mabit), then proceed to Mina to perform the stoning of the Jamarat pillars—throwing pebbles at Aqabah, Ula, and Wustha—between 10 and 12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447. During this period, pilgrims must also return to Mecca to perform the tawaf Ifadah, sai, and tahallul rituals.
Mustolih Siradj, Chairman of Komnas Haji, stated that the extensive and simultaneous movement during Armuzna is highly physically demanding, leading to fatigue, reduced concentration, and potential health issues.
‘Such conditions may cause pilgrim groups to become separated from their companions, fall behind, or lose their way, particularly among the elderly and disabled, increasing the risk of them getting lost or missing,’ he said on Monday (25 May).
He explained that in Armuzna, millions of pilgrims wear identical white ihram garments and stay in uniform tents, making it difficult to distinguish fellow group members or their resting tents from those of other nationalities. Additionally, scorching temperatures expected to reach nearly 50 degrees Celsius pose a significant challenge for the 2026 Hajj peak.
‘Unity and solidarity among pilgrims are essential to stay cohesive, support one another through mutual aid (ta’awun), and adopt the “pilgrims watch over pilgrims” spirit without solely relying on officials. At this stage, the roles of group leaders (karom) and squad leaders (karu) are critical and vital,’ he concluded. (H-4)