Ghulam Qadir

When the ocean of faith descends onto the ground of reality, what does the scene look like? The answer can be seen these days in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Ramadan 2026 has shattered all previous records of worship.

On the fourth day of Ramadan, a Saturday, such a spiritual surge was witnessed at the Masjid al-Haram that it is hard even to imagine. In just one day, 904,000 people performed Umrah and offered prayers. This is the largest number of people ever to gather in a single mosque in one day in world history.

When millions dressed in white circle the Kaaba, it feels as though the entire world has converged on a single centre. This is the first week of Ramadan, and people from across the globe are arriving here. Along with those performing Umrah, the crowds of worshippers offering prayers and those observing i‘tikaf have filled every corner. Whether inside the mosque or in its outer courtyards, everywhere one looks, there are only people engaged in worship. Despite this massive crowd, the most astonishing aspect is the discipline maintained throughout.

✨ A historic moment at the Makkah Grand Mosque! ✨

On Saturday, 4th of Ramadan 1447 AH, 904,000 pilgrims performed Umrah in a single day, the highest number ever recorded. 🕋🌙🤍 pic.twitter.com/4LCj3rJAcV

— Saudi Expatriates (@saudiexpat) February 24, 2026

Managing such a huge gathering was no small challenge. The Saudi administration had been preparing for this for months. Roads near the mosque have been reserved exclusively for pedestrians to control the crowds, and vehicular entry has been completely banned. Any vehicle found parked in the wrong place is immediately removed. The authorities have made it clear that pedestrian safety is the top priority. To prevent any untoward incidents, security personnel have been deployed at every step.

Special digital lights have been installed at the mosque’s entrances this year. This technology is simple yet highly effective. A green light indicates that space is available inside, while a red light clearly signals that the area is full and entry is temporarily closed. This prevents stampede-like situations. Security staff gently and efficiently guide people toward less crowded areas.

Special arrangements have also been made for those performing Umrah. The white marble area closest to the Kaaba, known as the Mataf, has been reserved exclusively for Umrah pilgrims this time. Prayers are not permitted there so that tawaf can be completed smoothly without obstruction. Separate facilities have been arranged for the elderly and persons with disabilities, including electronic carts available on the first floor. The administration has appealed to people not to bring small children into extremely crowded areas.

Transportation to Mecca has also been exceptionally well organised. Direct bus services are operating from King Abdulaziz International Airport. The Haramain High-Speed Railway brings pilgrims to Rusayfah Station, from where shuttle buses are available round the clock. For those arriving by private vehicles, 14 large parking areas have been created outside the city. Entry of private cars into the city is almost impossible. All of this has been done to ensure that pedestrians face no inconvenience.

Despite the enormous crowds, the arrangements are running smoothly. Prayer areas, pathways, and courtyards are filled to full capacity. Officials say that the mosque’s expansion work is yielding results, allowing far more people to worship together than before. Ramadan is still in its early days, and it is believed that in the coming days the number may cross one million. Especially during the last ten days, when the night of Laylat al-Qadr occurs, Mecca becomes a confluence of the entire world.

The Grand Mosque on the Third Day of Ramadan: A Scene of Tranquility.#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/dmdwUHQKzX

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) February 20, 2026

The administration has also enforced some strict rules. Smoking, selling goods, or begging inside the mosque or its courtyards is strictly prohibited. People have been advised to leave their belongings in their hotels and not to sit in pathways or corridors, blocking movement. In view of the heat, worshippers are being advised to keep drinking water and take care of their health. Medical teams are stationed everywhere.

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These record-breaking figures are not just numbers. They reflect the depth of people’s devotion to their faith. Even amid such crowds, helping one another and maintaining peace is the true message of Ramadan. These scenes from Mecca and Medina are teaching the world lessons of brotherhood and patience. As Ramadan progresses, this passion for worship is only set to grow stronger.