An Afghan woman participating in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage has delivered a baby girl in the holy city of Madinah, marking the first birth recorded during the 2025 Hajj season. The significant event occurred at the Maternity and Children’s Hospital within the King Salman Medical City complex, where the expectant mother was swiftly attended to by medical personnel after going into labor shortly after arriving from Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia confirmed that both mother and child are in stable and healthy condition, receiving the necessary postnatal care. The birth of the baby has brought a wave of joy among healthcare workers and fellow pilgrims, with hospital staff affectionately referring to the newborn as the “first Hajj baby” of the year.
This incident not only highlights the deeply human side of the annual religious exercise but also underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s robust medical preparedness for the millions of Muslims converging from across the globe. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the welfare of pilgrims through well-coordinated health services. From Madinah to Makkah and the other sacred sites, medical facilities are operating at full capacity, equipped with advanced technology and staffed by experienced personnel trained to handle both emergencies and routine medical needs.
Each year, the Hajj pilgrimage brings together over two million Muslims from diverse backgrounds, and with this influx comes the responsibility of maintaining public health and managing potential complications, including childbirth. This early delivery serves as a testament to the readiness of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare infrastructure.
As of this report, the Afghan mother and her newborn remain under observation and are receiving care in accordance with international health standards. The birth is being celebrated as a positive sign of the grace and blessings that often accompany the Hajj, even as preparations continue for the main rites expected to peak in the coming days.
