Uzbekistan: Over 1,700 Mosques Hosting Khatm Quran in Ramadan
During the holy month, more than 2,100 mosques across the Central Asian country will hold Taraweeh prayers, with over 1,700 completing the recitation of the entire Quran within 27 days, the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan said.
Approximately 3,500 reciters with melodious voices will lead the Taraweeh prayers and the Khatm Quran in mosques.
On February 27, a presidential decree titled “On the Worthy Conduct of the Blessed Month of Ramadan” announced that the month of Ramadan this year will commence on March 1.
Additionally, the Fatwa Center of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has determined the nisab of zakat, sadaqa al-fitr, and fidya amounts for Ramadan 2025 AD / 1446 Hijri.
Saudi Arabia Shortens Umrah Visa Validity to One Month
Umrah entry visas now valid for one month instead of three from issuance date.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reduced the validity period for Umrah entry visas from three months to one month from issuance date, though the permitted stay duration remains unchanged at three months after arrival.
The new regulations take effect next week (November 1, 2025) amid a record-breaking Umrah season that has already seen over four million visas issued to foreign pilgrims.
Under the updated system, Umrah visas will automatically cancel if pilgrims fail to enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of issuance.
The three-month allowance for staying in the Kingdom after arrival remains unaffected, preserving pilgrims’ flexibility once they enter the country.
Ahmed Bajaeifer, advisor at the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, confirmed the changes to prepare for expected pilgrim increases following summer’s end and cooler temperatures in Mecca and Medina.
The current Umrah season, beginning in early June, has achieved unprecedented numbers with four million foreign pilgrims arriving within just five months. This volume surpasses previous full-season totals, demonstrating growing global demand for Umrah pilgrimage opportunities.