2 days ago
Haj pilgrims brave intense heat en route to Mina
MAKKAH: The intense heat, exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, was among the major challenges faced by Haj pilgrims as they made their way to Mina for the 'jamarah' ritual, also known as the 'stoning of the devil.'
For this writer, the blazing heat left his 'ihram' attire soaked in sweat as he made the 4.5-kilometre journey on foot from his accommodations in Jalan Malik Abdullah to the main pillar, known as 'Jamratal Kubra' for the stoning ritual.
Throughout the trek, fellow pilgrims recited the 'talbiah' and chanted the 'takbir Aidiladha'. To manage the heat, many used umbrellas, spray bottles to douse themselves with water, and even handheld fans to cool themselves.
Along the way, Haj officials would frequently spray water towards the pilgrims to reduce their body temperature and reduce the risk of heat stroke.
Based on the weather forecast, the temperature is expected to be in the range of 44 degrees Celsius between noon and 4pm, which is when the Haj pilgrims make their way to their destination.
The stoning of the Jamratul Kubra is among the items deemed 'wajib' or compulsory when performing the Haj.
While not included as part of the 'rukun Haji', the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had performed the 'jamarah' ritual, which underscores its importance in the Haj pilgrimage.
Last night, pilgrims who had completed the 'wukuf' in Arafah began moving to Muzdalifah for the 'mabit', (a momentary rest or overnight stay) to make preparations before the stoning ritual.
Scores of buses were seen lined up along the road, bringing pilgrims to Muzdalifah. Despite the large number of pilgrims, the situation remained under control.
The 'mabit' in Muzdalifah usually marks a brief pause in the Haj journey, giving pilgrims just enough time to collect the stones they will use for the stoning ritual.
After the stoning ritual and 'tahallul awal' are completed, the pilgrims would spend two days in Mina for the 'Nafar Awal' and three days for the 'Nafar Akhir'.
Throughout this period, the pilgrims would perform the stoning ritual and throw stones at three pillars - Ula, Wusta and Aqabah - daily.
According to the Saudi government, the number of pilgrims for the 1446 Hijrah stood at 1,673,230, including 1,506,576 from outside Saudi Arabia.
