Samira Yusuf

510 posts

Samira Yusuf has covered local news, politics, and social issues for over five years. In Toronto, she studied journalism at York University.

News

April 6, 2026

Hajj 2026: Pilgrims Must Always Carry Nusuk ID Card

The Nusuk ID Card is now a mandatory document for all Hajj 2026 pilgrims, required for entry into Makkah, the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) and the Holy Sites. Without it, entry will not be granted.

bySamira Yusuf

Bus Carrying Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims Catches Fire Near Madinah

News

March 31, 2026

Bus Carrying Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims Catches Fire Near Madinah, All 24 Passengers Unharmed

A bus transporting 24 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims caught fire on a highway near Madinah on March 26, 2026, after a tyre burst and smoke emerged from the front of the vehicle. All passengers evacuated safely with no injuries.

bySamira Yusuf

turkish woman arrested masjid al haram march 2026

News

March 28, 2026

Woman Arrested at Masjid al-Haram After Attempting to Cut Piece of Kiswa

A woman travelling with a Turkish Hajj group was detained by security forces at Masjid al-Haram after she attempted to cut a piece of the Kaaba’s covering — the Kiswah — with scissors to keep as a souvenir.

bySamira Yusuf

News

March 18, 2026

Eid al Fitr 2026 Date Announcements: All Around The World

Real-time announcements of Eid al-Fitr 2026 from all around the world.

bySamira Yusuf

The upstairs prayer room is a serene space, perfect for quiet reflection and meditation.

News

March 16, 2026

Bolton’s Largest Mosque Brings Together 130 Guests for Interfaith Iftar

Zakariyya Jaa’me Mosque in Bolton opened its doors to over 130 guests from different faiths and backgrounds for a shared Iftar, offering mosque tours, a talk on fasting and community, and a communal breaking of the fast during Ramadan 2026.

bySamira Yusuf

News

March 15, 2026

March 20 Is the Last Date for Umrah Visa Issuance Before Hajj 2026

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set March 20, 2026 as the final date for issuing Umrah visas, with April 3, 2026 as the last permitted date to enter Saudi Arabia before the Hajj season begins.

bySamira Yusuf

Prophet's Mosque Launches Quran Recitation Program for Itikaf Participants

News

March 10, 2026

Prophet’s Mosque Launches Quran Recitation Program for Itikaf Participants

The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques has launched a dedicated Quran recitation program for Itikaf participants at Masjid an-Nabawi, while the Ministry of Islamic Affairs rolls out women’s services system across key mosques in Madinah.

bySamira Yusuf

man driving pilgrim cart inside masjid al haram grand mosque in makkah

News

March 9, 2026

Hotel-to-Masjid al-Haram Transport Booking Service Launched for Umrah Pilgrims

The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has introduced a new electronic transport booking service, allowing Umrah pilgrims to request vehicles directly from their hotels to the Grand Mosque without visiting any transportation point.

bySamira Yusuf

News

March 6, 2026

Video Call Service With Scholars Launched In Hotels Near Masjid al-Haram

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has rolled out a video call service in Makkah this Ramadan, giving pilgrims and visitors direct access to scholars, preachers, and translators across more than 40 languages at mosques and hotels near the Grand Mosque.

bySamira Yusuf

News

March 5, 2026

25 Non-Muslim Luton Council Staff Fast During Ramadan 2026 to Honour Muslim Colleagues

25 non-Muslim Luton Council officers and councillors fasted from dawn to sunset on March 3, 2026, joining Muslim colleagues observing Ramadan 2026 — then broke their fast together at a shared Iftar at Luton Town Hall.

bySamira Yusuf

News

March 1, 2026

Meningitis Vaccine Mandatory for All Hajj 2026 Pilgrims

Ministry of Health launches vaccination campaign for 1447 AH season, requiring meningitis shot within last five years and seasonal flu after September 2025.

bySamira Yusuf

Sheikh Sudais with children of Al-Wedad Association for Orphan Care

News

February 26, 2026

Sheikh Sudais Breaks Fast with Orphan Children at Masjid Al-Haram During Ramadan 2026

President of Religious Affairs breaks fast with children from Al-Wedad Association, affirming Kingdom’s commitment to orphan care.

bySamira Yusuf

Brazilian Footballer Kathleen Souza Embraces Islam

News

February 20, 2026

Brazilian Footballer Kathleen Souza Converts To Islam, Performs Umrah

Brazilian footballer’s conversion draws widespread support as she balances sporting career with newfound faith.

bySamira Yusuf

pilgrims offering prayer masjid an nabawi 2026

News

February 19, 2026

Umrah Pilgrims Must Get Meningitis Vaccine 10 Days Before Travel, Saudi Health Ministry

Meningitis vaccination is essential for protection during peak Ramadan season, provides immunity for up to five years.

bySamira Yusuf

News

February 16, 2026

Haramain Train Boosts Capacity for Ramadan 2026 Adding 250,000+ Seats

High-speed train connecting Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah Airport will operate 3,662 trips during the Ramadan 2026 (1447) to accommodate millions of pilgrims.

bySamira Yusuf