Preparations for this year’s haj pilgrimage are proceeding as planned with the authorities continuing to monitor latest developments in the Middle East, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim on Wednesday (April 8).In the event that the haj is cancelled or disrupted, or if pilgrims decide to defer, they will be given priority in the following years. Associate Professor Faishal was responding to a question from Member of Parliament Wan Rizal on the status of this year’s haj arrangements for Singaporeans amid the conflict in the Middle East.All 900 haj slots for Muslim pilgrims in Singapore for 2026 have been filled, with more people aged 70 and older set to travel compared with 2025.The haj is a major Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and represents the fifth pillar of Islam. Muslims who are physically and financially able to do so must undertake the journey at least once. Responding, Assoc Prof Faishal said that the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) is in close contact with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on the arrangements. Read more