In the tent city of Mina, approximately 2 million pilgrims commenced the revered pilgrimage of hajj 1444 on Monday morning. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first full-scale hajj since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
اضافة اعلان
Following the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, the pilgrims observed the first day of the pilgrimage, known as Tarwiyah Day in the Islamic faith, by engaging in supplications to seek forgiveness for their sins.
They performed the dhuhr, asr, maghreb, and isha prayers, and made their final preparations before the solemn standing before God (wuqoof) on the plains of Mount Arafat the following day.
Saudi authorities ensure safety amid rising temperatures
With scorching temperatures reaching approximately 43 degrees Celsius, the logistical challenges of safely transporting such a vast number of pilgrims during the hajj pilgrimage were compounded.
However, Saudi authorities implemented thorough plans to ensure the smooth and secure movement of the pilgrims, Arab News reported.
More than 2 million individuals, including 1.6 million from other countries, were expected to participate in the hajj.
Pilgrims expressed their appreciation for the efforts of officials in making their Hajj experience comfortable, pleasant, and spiritually enriching. Saudi officials assured the health and safety of all attendees.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior spokesperson, Talal Al-Shalhoub, confirmed the completion of transportation to Mina, where the pilgrims would spend the night before proceeding to Mount Arafat. The ministry also prepared over 32 hospitals with a capacity of more than 6,000 beds to cater to the healthcare needs of the pilgrims.
Hajj rituals and obligations
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, takes place during the month of Dhul Hijjah. Every physically and financially capable Muslim is obliged to complete the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
Male pilgrims begin the hajj by donning the traditional white, seamless, two-piece garment and entering a sacred state called "Ihram".
Women wear loose-fitting clothes and cover their hair.
The pilgrimage spans five days and culminates on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah with pilgrims traveling to Arafat, the most significant day of hajj. After spending the day at Arafat, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah, where they spend the night in the open and collect pebbles for a special ritual the next day.
Following fajr prayers on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims travel to Jamarat, where they symbolically stone three pillars representing the Devil.
Men are required to shave their heads, while women cut off a lock of their hair, similar to the practice after umrah. Additionally, pilgrims are obligated to sacrifice an animal and distribute its meat to those in need. Those unable to perform the sacrifice can delegate the task.
Finally, the pilgrims return to Makkah and the Grand Mosque.
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