Children Under 12 Years Can't Participate in 2026 Hajj

Saudi authorities have implemented a new regulation prohibiting children under 12 years old from performing Hajj in 2026, citing severe heat risks that have caused numerous deaths in recent pilgrimage seasons.

We at The Islamic Information reached out to Nusuk Hajj for confirmation, and they confirmed the policy through its official Nusuk Hajj platform, which stated clearly: “The person must be at least 12 years old.”

The decision follows two consecutive Hajj seasons where extreme temperatures caused great trouble to pilgrims, including children and elderly participants.

Medical teams had reported numerous cases of heatstroke and exhaustion despite expanded cooling facilities and hydration stations throughout pilgrimage routes.

The Hajj rituals require extensive walking between holy sites in Makkah, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F).