Latest news with #Mina
Al Bawaba
4 hours ago
- General
- Al Bawaba
Millions to begin sacred Hajj journey tomorrow from Mina
ALBAWABA- Tomorrow, the white-tented valley of Mina will once again welcome the first waves of Hajj pilgrims, as millions of Muslims from across the globe gather to begin the spiritual journey of a lifetime. Clad in simple white garments, unified by devotion, race and rank forgotten, they come to seek God's mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. The 8th of Dhul Hijjah, marking the first day of Hajj, will see the faithful settling in Mina for a day devoted entirely to prayer, reflection, and supplication. This city of tents, transformed into a sanctuary of worship, symbolizes the humility and equality before God that the Hajj demands. It is a scene unlike any other: millions standing shoulder to shoulder, whispering their hopes into the heavens. On Thursday, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims will ascend the plains of Arafat, the spiritual climax of Hajj. There, beneath the burning sun, expected to reach 45°C, they will spend the afternoon in earnest prayer on the Mount of Mercy, pleading for divine forgiveness on the Day of Arafah, considered the most sacred day in Islam. For many, it is a moment they have waited for all their lives. The following day, Eid al-Adha (June 6), also known as the Day of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's submission to God. Pilgrims will return to Mina for the ritual stoning of the Jamarat, an act of defiance against evil, and remain there through June 9 during the Days of Tashreeq, continuing their rites and prayers. Saudi authorities have introduced strict permit enforcement this year to prevent unauthorized pilgrims from joining, following tragic stampedes in past seasons. Last year alone, hundreds of undocumented pilgrims perished during overcrowded rituals, the majority from Egypt, Jordan, and other nations. Despite the searing heat, which poses serious challenges, especially to elderly pilgrims, the spirit remains unshaken. The pilgrimage is a test of body and soul, and pilgrims embrace it with unyielding faith. Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is not merely a journey across land but an inward journey that every Muslim hopes to take at least once in their lifetime. As Mina opens its arms tomorrow, the air will be thick with du'a (supplication), and the hearts of millions will beat with hope for peace, forgiveness, and a life touched by the grace of this sacred experience.
Asharq Al-Awsat
10 hours ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Railways Announces Full Operational Readiness of Mashaer Train for Hajj
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced the full operational readiness of the Mashaer Metro Train for this year's Hajj starting Tuesday. SAR completed its preparations in coordination with various relevant entities. Comprehensive operational preparation included nearly 12,000 trial trips since January, in addition to four full-scale simulation exercises accurately replicating the conditions of the Hajj season to test the readiness of systems, trains, and stations and ensure safe and efficient operations. The Mashaer Metro Train operates on five service patterns tailored to the different Hajj rituals, making it a unique transport system globally. During the Hajj, the train is scheduled to carry out more than 2,000 trips, aiming to transport over two million passengers with high efficiency and precise organization. SAR conducted extensive maintenance and rigorous testing on all facilities and stations of the project to ensure their readiness and compliance with safety and quality standards. The train connects nine stations across the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, with the final station in Mina located on the fourth level of the Jamarat Bridge, ensuring the smooth movement and safety of pilgrims. The Mashaer Metro Train is one of the region's most significant sustainable transport projects. It operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers, enabling a total transport capacity exceeding 72,000 passengers per hour. This helps reduce congestion in the holy sites, lower carbon emissions, and provide a smart, safe, and environmentally friendly travel experience. The operation of the train reflects SAR's commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by enabling a reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport experience for pilgrims, showcasing the Kingdom's advanced infrastructure and improving the quality of services.
Malay Mail
12 hours ago
- General
- Malay Mail
‘You don't have to climb Arafat': Saudi tells pilgrims as Haj heat soars past 40°C
MINA (Saudi Arabia), June 3 — Near a sprawling tent city outside Mecca, Saudi hospital staff are preparing for a flood of heat-related cases as Muslim pilgrims begin hajj this week in sweltering summer temperatures. The Mina Emergency Hospital is one of 15 such facilities operating just a few weeks a year around the annual pilgrimage to Islam's holiest sites, which in 2024 saw more than 1,300 people die in the desert heat. Saudi authorities hope to head off a fatal repeat of last year's pilgrimage, when temperatures reached 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit). Temperatures this year are forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius as one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings, bringing together devotees from around the globe, officially commences on Wednesday. So far, authorities have recorded 44 cases of heat exhaustion. Abdullah Asiri, Saudi Arabia's deputy minister for population health, told AFP at the Mina hospital that 'the focus is on heat-related conditions because the hajj coincides with extreme heat'. Brimming with staff but no patients just yet, the hospital is part of the kingdom's efforts to prepare for 'the worst case scenario' after pilgrims descend on Mina, Asiri said. Defying the scorching heat, pilgrims have already started to flock to Mecca. As of Sunday, more than 1.4 million pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia for the multi-day pilgrimage, according to officials. Mecca's Grand Mosque is serviced by the largest cooling system in the world, according to Saudi state television, with enormous fans and cooled pavements dotting the massive complex. But outside, hiding from the heat can prove challenging. Increased capacity Some pilgrims wear caps or carry umbrellas, but others walk on foot without any protection from the sun, like Palestinian Rabah Mansour, 70, who said that after a lifetime of working outside as a farmer, 'heat doesn't bother me'. 'I have been working in the fields since I was a child,' he said, as sweat trickled down his face. While many pilgrims may be overcome with religious fervour, Asiri warned devotees against unnecessarily exposing themselves to harsh conditions. Badr Shreiteh, another Palestinian pilgrim, told AFP that he believed such hardships on the hajj trail would increase the blessings he reaps. 'As you can see, we're dripping with sweat,' he said, adding: 'The more hardship we endure, the more reward we gain.' According to Asiri, of the health ministry, a total of 50,000 healthcare workers and administrative staff have been mobilised for the hajj, far exceeding previous years' numbers. More than 700 hospital beds are ready, equipped with fans to treat severe cases of heat illnesses. Saudi Arabia reported 44 cases of heat exhaustion during the 2025 Haj pilgrimage so far. — AFP pic 'Capacity this year has been expanded by more than 60 percent compared to last year,' Asiri said, expecting greater numbers of patients. 'That's why we are doing all of these measures,' he said. Last year, medical staff treated 2,764 pilgrims for heat exhaustion and other heat-related conditions, according to the health ministry. 'Challenge' To prevent people from needing hospitalisation in the first place, 71 emergency medical points have been set up around Mecca's holy sites with a focus on 'treating patients on the ground before their case deteriorates', said Asiri. On the second day of hajj, pilgrims will head to Mount Arafat, climbing it and reciting prayers for the whole day. Asiri said pilgrims can stay in the shade. 'Most of the heat-related illnesses that happen in Arafat is because people think that they must be under the sun,' he said. 'You don't have to be outside your tent during Arafat. You don't have to climb the mountain,' he added, citing no religious obligation to do so, 'and it's very risky from a health point of view'. Hajj Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah told AFP earlier that thousands of misting fans and more than 400 water cooling units have been deployed. Authorities built cooled walkways, including a newly completed four-kilometre (2.5-mile) pathway leading to Arafat. Last year's hajj deaths were a high-profile example of the havoc wrought by heat in 2024, which the Copernicus Climate Change Service said was the hottest ever recorded. Abdul Majid Ati, from the Philippines, said there 'extreme heat, but there are also times that we are inside the (Grand mosque) -- it's extreme cold because of the tiles and of the aircon'. 'We take this as a challenge and a test of our moral character.' — AFP
Zawya
16 hours ago
- General
- Zawya
Saudi: 18 judicial circuits and 5 mobile notaries to serve pilgrims
MAKKAH - The Ministry of Justice has equipped 18 judicial departments to hear cases arising within the boundaries of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the holy sites of Mina and Arafat. Five mobile notaries have also been provided to meet the documentation needs of pilgrims. The Ministry affirmed the readiness of the judicial departments and mobile notaries, and their provision of qualified personnel, thus contributing to saving pilgrims time and effort, enabling them to complete their cases and notarization processes efficiently and quickly. This is part of the ongoing efforts made by Saudi Arabia's government to serve pilgrims to the House of God. This step comes as part of the integration with other government agencies to provide comprehensive judicial and documentation services that meet the needs of pilgrims during the Hajj season. 160 e-services can also be availed through the "Najiz" platform and application, available on smart device stores. This step comes as part of the integration with other government agencies to provide comprehensive judicial and documentation services that meet the needs of pilgrims during the Hajj season. 160 e-services can also be availed through the "Najiz" platform and application, available on smart device stores. It is worth noting that the mobile notaries will provide documentation services to pilgrims, as well as security and health sector personnel, and others within the boundaries of the Grand Mosque and the holy sites. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
a day ago
- General
- Arab News
Saudi scouts survey pilgrims' accommodation in Mina
MAKKAH: A total of 800 members of the Ministry of Sports' scouting team began surveying pilgrims' accommodation in Mina on Monday. The surveys include collecting field information about pilgrims' housing, landmarks, pedestrian paths and the headquarters of government agencies taking part in serving pilgrims. It is part of the ministry's efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The Ministry of Sports has five scout camps in Mina, located in Al-Mu'aisam 1-2, Al-Rabwa, Wadi Muhsar and the Operations Camp. A preparatory course for the scouts was also held before their departure to Mina. The four-day program aimed to prepare them to serve the guests of God, focusing on areas including teamwork, leadership and crowd management. Thousands of volunteers every year assist the pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, which sees about 2 million worshipers visit over the five days. Volunteers work to support healthcare, provide meals, manage crowds and assist with transport.
