Pilgrimage

Robots assist the faithful: How Saudi harnesses the power of AI in Mecca

Saudi Arabia is investing in Artificial Intelligence, setting up robots with touchscreens to help pilgrims navigate the Hajj process, learn about weekly schedules at mosques, as well as provide religious edicts.

Muslim pilgrims begin largest Hajj since Covid pandemic

One million fully vaccinated Muslims are set to take part in this year's Hajj pilgrimage, the largest number since the start of the pandemic.

Bus crash kills scores in Mexico

Mexican Official Ricardo de la Cruz Musalem said the injured had been transferred to hospitals, including some by air.

Saudi female officers allowed to guard Islam’s holiest sites for first time

Since April, dozens of female soldiers have become part of the security services that monitor pilgrims in Mecca and Medina.

Saudi Arabia reopens Islam's holiest sites for Umrah pilgrimage

Two of Islam's holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, are now open to Muslims living in Saudi Arabia, after a 7-month Covid-19 pause.

Select group of Muslims begins Hajj pilgrimage

Hajj pilgrimage is usually one of the world's largest religious gatherings but this year only up to 10,000 people already residing in the kingdom will participate in the ritual as the Saudi hosts try to prevent the spread of virus pandemic.

Train hits bus carrying Sikh pilgrims in Pakistan

The accident occurred at an unmanned railway crossing close to the city of Sheikhupura in Pakistan's largest province, Punjab.

Hindus celebrate Thaipusam festival across Asia

Hundreds of thousands of Hindus are celebrating the annual Thaipusam festival which sees devotees carrying offerings to places of worship and piercing their skin with hooks and skewers to show devotion to Murugan.