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Arab News
14 hours ago
- Arab News
Hajj pilgrims embrace second day of Tashreeq with ‘fantastic' experience ahead of departure
MINA: Most of the more than 1.6 million pilgrims taking part in this year's Hajj have completed the second day of Tashreeq — a spiritually significant stage marked by the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina on Sunday. As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage. June 8, which corresponds to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah on the Islamic calendar and marks the second of the three Tashreeq Days, witnessed a steady stream of pilgrims performing the stoning ritual at the Jamarat complex in Mina. Under the coordination of Saudi authorities, the movement unfolded smoothly, supported by comprehensive security, health and logistical services. Following the stoning ritual, many pilgrims made their way to the Grand Mosque in Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wadaa, or the farewell circumambulation — the final rite of Hajj. This act signifies the conclusion of the pilgrimage, after which pilgrims begin their journeys back to their home countries. In Islamic jurisprudence, pilgrims who complete the Hajj rites by the second day of Tashreeq are said to have performed Ta'ajul, or hastened Hajj. This option, permissible under Islamic Shariah, allows pilgrims to depart Mina after completing the stoning ritual on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. Those who remain in Mina until sunset are obligated to stay for a third day and do the stoning ritual once more on the 13th, marking the full completion of the pilgrimage rites. PHOTO GALLERY: Hajj 2025: Pilgrims complete second day of Tashreeq The temperature recorded in Mina at 11 a.m. was 41 degrees Celsius, with expectations of a rise to 45 degrees Celsius before a predicted 31 degrees Celsius later in the day, according to the National Meteorology Center. Speaking to Arab News, Sayed Taqi, an Afghan pilgrim on his first pilgrimage, said that he had a 'very good' experience for Hajj. 'The security people were helpful, and, honestly, I am very happy. I will be ending my rituals today by noon, as I have a flight tomorrow,' Taqi said. Mohsin Rasul, a pilgrim from Bangalore, India, who was completing his rituals, said: 'The overall experience was very nice and quite peaceful, there was not much rushing with the arrangements by the authorities, and there wasn't any problem anywhere, whether in the Grand Mosque, Madinah, Mina or Arafat.' He added: 'Everywhere, the arrangement was fantastic, in fact.' Maqsari Hasni from Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, said that he could not describe the feeling of being in the holy sites to perform Hajj. He also spoke with a voice filled with gratitude and appreciation: 'I thank the Saudi government very … very much. It has done its duty perfectly, and we are truly proud of you. May Allah bless and protect you.' Azhar Al-Wishah, an Iraqi pilgrim who lives in Canada, said that he and his group performed a smooth and comfortable hajj. Describing the services provided to the group, he said: 'We have really found a truly great service from the security people and all those working here. They have supplied all the services. We would like to thank the government and the people for your good reception and generous hospitality.' He hoped that peace and security would continue in Saudi Arabia and for its people, 'who humbled us with their generosity and who were competing eagerly to serve the pilgrims.' Al-Wishah added: 'May God watch over this country and keep it safe until the Day of Judgment.' Fatima, a 28-year-old Iranian pilgrim, told Arab News that she took part in a unique experience — witnessing people from all around the world coming together to perform the same rituals, just as Prophet Ibrahim did thousands of years ago. She added that it was remarkable to see individuals of different ages, colors and nationalities united in one place. Describing the crowd management during Hajj, she said: 'I think it is very difficult to manage, but overall, it was very well organized.' According to the Ministry of Health, more than 147,000 medical services had been provided as of June 7. In a post on its X account, the ministry reported that during this year's Hajj, 18 open-heart surgeries were performed, while 248 cardiac catheterization procedures were carried out. The ministry added that 2,626 pilgrims were referred to its intensive care units, and outpatient clinics treated more than 7,540 pilgrims. Moreover, 5,619 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, while 35,176 patients received care at emergency rooms in Makkah. The post added that 80,603 pilgrims received medical assistance at the ministry's various medical centers.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Avoid new shoes and look after your mental health. How to be well at the Hajj
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to do it. It is a spiritual highlight for those fortunate enough to go, but it is also grueling and stressful. Pilgrims conduct their rituals outdoors, among huge crowds, walking up to 25 kilometers (15 miles) a day. There is often no privacy or personal space. Languages, routines and surroundings can feel unfamiliar, and the emotional impact of doing the Hajj can also take its toll. Here are some ways to be well at the Hajj. Preparation, preparation, preparation Pilgrims work on their spiritual readiness to undertake the Hajj, but equally important is their physical preparation. Saudi authorities have published a 45-page safety kit in eight languages. It encourages people to do aerobic exercises for 30 minutes daily and to 'make movement activities' like using the stairs instead of the elevator, before they travel to Saudi Arabia. There's a lot of walking at the Hajj, even when pilgrims are not performing rituals. Too much traffic, or not enough transport, means people end up walking up to 25 kilometers (15 miles) every day. All the rituals are on foot. High temperatures, adrenaline, and physical exertion will elevate the heart rate. If pilgrims are not used to working out, they should have at least prepared their bodies for the long periods that will be spent outdoors and upright, as going from an inactive or sedentary lifestyle straight to the Hajj will be a shock to the system. Keep cool and carry or wear a UV umbrella This year, temperatures at the Hajj are expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). The body's resting core temperature is typically about 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), just 4 degrees Celsius (7 degrees Fahrenheit) away from catastrophe in the form of heatstroke. The bigger killer in the heat is the strain on the heart, especially for people who have cardiovascular disease. Blood rushes to the skin to help shed core heat, causing blood pressure to drop. The heart responds by trying to pump more blood to keep someone from passing out. Avoid going out during the day unless necessary. Seek shade and rest often, despite the temptation to go at top speed. The Hajj is a marathon not a sprint. White or pale-colored clothing and UV umbrellas reflect the sunlight, meaning your body and clothing won't get as hot. Oral rehydration sachets can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating and physical exertion. There are also hands-free 'Hajj' umbrellas that are worn on the head, allowing pilgrims to pray and carry out their rituals unencumbered. Put your best foot forward with comfy shoes Avoid new shoes, says Dr. Hina Shahid, the London-based chair of the Muslim Doctors Association. 'If you have new shoes, break them in beforehand. Make sure your footwear is comfortable. You don't want to get blisters.' Well-fitting sandals or sliders are fine for Mecca, which has well-paved roads and sidewalks. It is common to see Muslims streaming into the city by foot. There is smooth tiling on the outer courtyard of the Grand Mosque that is washed by an army of cleaners at regular intervals. But pilgrims go barefoot when circling the Kaaba, where the marble flooring is cool to the skin whatever the weather. But the terrain changes in Muzdalifah, where people collect pebbles to use in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil. They also spend the night in the open air so it's better to wear a sturdier, closed-toe shoe and also at Mount Arafat, where people clamber over rocks to reach the hill's 70-meter-high (230 feet) summit to spend hours in prayer. Adopt pandemic-style personal hygiene Cough? Runny nose? Sore throat? Fever? That's 'Hajj flu,' a nickname for the respiratory infection that people develop during the crowded conditions of the pilgrimage. It's common to see people wearing face masks during the Hajj, even though face coverings are not a religious requirement, because they are in close proximity to each other, making droplet infections inevitable. Pilgrims are exposed to new germs, new environments and new routines. These are tough on the immune system when combined. To minimize the chances of developing the Hajj flu or giving it to others, pilgrims should wash their hands well, especially before eating and after sneezing, coughing or using the bathroom. Coughing or sneezing into the arm or elbow can help prevent the spread of germs when a tissue isn't available. It's worth sanitizing frequently touched objects and surfaces in the camps at Mina and opening windows for ventilation. It's important to stay on top of mandatory and recommended vaccinations before traveling to Saudi Arabia. Take care of your mental health at the Hajj The Hajj can be daunting because of its scale, religious significance, practical difficulties, the expense, the physical exertion and the pressure to get it right. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the core beliefs and acts of worship that Muslims must practice. It can feel tough to fulfill this obligation when you're away from home comforts. Not following your normal routine, sleep deprivation, vast cultural and linguistic differences, and being surrounded by upward of 1.5 million strangers add to the challenges. You can't even wear your regular clothes. These factors can rattle your calm, kindness and patience. Prioritizing your health, and resting whenever needed, can alleviate some of the stress. Focusing on what you are doing, rather than comparing yourself to others, can also relieve the pressure. Being grateful for the opportunity to be at the Hajj will help remind you why you are there. Talking to friends and family back home will ground you. Hajj is about endurance, humility, mindfulness and struggle. A willingness to let go of negative emotions. It's a test of your spiritual connection with God, even when everything around you is testing that connection. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
The National
5 days ago
- Health
- The National
Hajj pilgrims advised to avoid peak heat hours on Day of Arafat
Saudi Arabia 's Minister for the Hajj has told pilgrims to stay in their tents between 10am and 4pm on Thursday, warning of heat exhaustion when thousands scale a sacred hill on the outskirts of Makkah for the Day of Arafat. Temperatures are hovering around 40°C as more than a million people converge on the holy city for the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia has increased efforts to ensure a safe event in the summer heat. Strict penalties have been enforced against illegal visitors to Makkah to prevent overcrowding. Hajj Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah warned worshippers to use the transport provided to Mount Arafat rather than walking, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. He said random trips on foot "pose a significant threat to the flow of crowds and the safety of pilgrims". The Day of Arafat traditionally marks the high point of the Hajj, when pilgrims assemble on the hill and its surrounding plain for hours of prayer and Quran recital. Mount Arafat is where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final sermon. There is little to no shade on the 70-metre-high hill, leaving pilgrims exposed to the desert sun. Saudi authorities said last year that 1,300 people died during the Hajj as temperatures reached 50°C. Many of the dead were unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to air-conditioned tents and buses. This year more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials have been mobilised to ensure safety. Saudi Arabia 's Interior Ministry has warned that anyone attempting to perform the pilgrimage without a permit will face a fine of up to 20,000 riyals ($5,300). Those helping illegal pilgrims to travel to Makkah face even higher fines. Foreigners who breach the rules could be barred from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years. Artificial intelligence is also being used by authorities to monitor data and video, with a new fleet of drones in the skies above Makkah to help manage the crowds. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for Muslims able to do so to perform the pilgrimage once in their lives. As of Sunday, more than 1.4 million pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year's rituals, officials said. On Wednesday, robed pilgrims will perform the tawaf - walking seven times around the Kaaba, the black cubic structure at the centre of Makkah's Grand Mosque that is Islam's holiest site. Before entering Makkah, pilgrims must first enter a state of purity, called ihram, which requires special dress and behaviour. Men wear a seamless shroud-like white garment that emphasises unity among believers, regardless of their social status or nationality. Women wear loose dresses, also white, exposing just their face and hands. For many Muslims, completing the Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "I am so happy, it's such an amazing feeling," Reem Al Shogre, a 35-year-old Saudi national performing the pilgrimage for the first time, told AFP.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
No kids, excess heat and payment plans. What to know about Hajj 2025
Muslims from around the world are in the Saudi city of Mecca for the Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. In the coming days, people will immerse themselves in religious rituals and acts of worship that originated more than 1,400 years ago. They also have to contend with excess heat and other earthly factors, like a ban on children under the age of 12 and a crackdown on unauthorized entry. Here's what to know about this year's Hajj: Beating the heat in the Saudi desert Last year's pilgrims struggled through burning sun and suffocating hot weather, with the mercury hitting 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit). More than 1,300 people died. This year, Saudi authorities are advising caution in direct sunlight, telling pilgrims to avoid going out during the day and uncovering their heads, except for rituals, unless necessary. An official safety kit emphasizes the importance of light-colored clothing and umbrellas. It also has details on recognizing and treating the symptoms of dehydration and heat exhaustion. But it's tough to avoid the heat and crowds when the Hajj is outdoors. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, elevating the personal stakes further, and temperatures in Mecca are already 41 degrees Celsius (about 106 Fahrenheit). Although the desert kingdom spends billions of dollars on crowd control and cooling, the volume of pilgrims and climatic conditions make it difficult to guarantee people's safety. A ban on children under 12 at the Hajj Saudi Arabia has banned children under 12 from this year's Hajj — one of the biggest policy changes in recent years. Riyadh reportedly introduced the ban as a precautionary measure to ensure children's safety during the pilgrimage, which could be a dangerous environment for them because of the huge crowds. Children are exempt from doing the Hajj and are not required to fulfill other Islamic obligations, like prayer and fasting, until they reach puberty. But that doesn't stop some parents from wanting to take their children to experience the Hajj and see the holiest site in Islam, the Kaaba, the black, cube-shaped structure that is the focal point for daily prayers. Father of five Talha Ayub, from the Pakistani city of Lahore, said his kids were staying with their grandparents while he and his wife performed the Hajj in a 'more relaxed way.' 'Even if children were allowed, we probably wouldn't have taken them because the weather is extremely harsh this year,' said Ayub, whose children are aged 1 to 13. 'I have mixed feelings about leaving them behind. I'll miss them.' There's no official age breakdown for pilgrims, but most are between 35 and 64. Layaways and lowering the price tag The price of a Hajj ranges from $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the length of stay, level of comfort, and country of departure. Depreciating currencies, high inflation, and tax hikes in Saudi Arabia also have an impact on how much Muslims end up paying. The countries that typically send the most pilgrims are developing nations. Some have trimmed the price of government-backed Hajj programs to make them more affordable. But this step isn't always enough. Farid Ahmed Majumder, secretary general of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh, said the country was allowed to send some 127,000 pilgrims this year but failed to meet this quota, mainly because of higher costs. Pakistan has reduced the price of the state-run Hajj program. It has also debuted a flexible payment system. Farmer and small business owner Zaheer Ahmad said he didn't have enough money to pay for his Hajj up-front, 1.2 million rupees or about $4,255. He paid in three installments, applying for the Hajj in December with an advance and finishing his payments in February. 'Otherwise, I might not have been able to go for Hajj at all,' he said. In Saudi Arabia, which has also introduced flexible payments, domestic pilgrims pay 20% within 72 hours of booking, another 40% during Ramadan and the final 40% the following month. Managing wait times and overcrowding Although the Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation, people don't want to wait a lifetime to fulfill it. But the Hajj has limited capacity, countries have set quotas, and there is only one time each year to do it. Patience really is a virtue and everything needs to align: availability, health, and finances. Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have decades-long waiting lists for the Hajj. Indonesia has 5.4 million people awaiting their turn, with the number increasing each year. While there is nothing to stop people from performing the Hajj more than once, some governments believe this practice deprives others of the opportunity, especially in countries where demand is high. India has a ban on 'repeaters' and excludes applications from anyone who has previously performed the pilgrimage through the national Hajj committee, although there are exceptions from those accompanying certain categories of people like the elderly. With a restricted supply of Hajj spaces, it's inevitable that people will try to find ways to get to the holy city and stay there. In April, to curb unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages and control inbound travel, Saudi Arabia suspended the issue of short-term visas for 14 countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco. People have in the past traveled to Saudi Arabia on short-term visas and entered Mecca without official permission for the Hajj. Authorities said that many of those who died in the heat during last year's Hajj were unregistered and unable to access air-conditioned pilgrim amenities. The Interior Ministry warned in May that a fine of up to 20,000 riyals, or about $5,330, would be imposed on anyone attempting to enter Mecca during the Hajj without the correct visa. ___ Associated Press writers Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi, Julhas Alam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Munir Ahmed in Islamabad contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
The National
5 days ago
- Health
- The National
How technology is making Hajj safer
When The National visited Dubai International Airport this week to interview Emiratis preparing to fly to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage that begins today, 45-year-old Abdullah Al Mutawa from Ras Al Khaimah summed up the feelings of many of them well. 'I'm thrilled,' he said. 'I can't describe the joy of travelling finally for Hajj.' Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many Muslims, millions of whom save for years to travel and fulfil this solemn religious duty. The joy of completing this sacred journey is also matched with the understanding of how daunting the rituals can be for many. The coming together of such a large cross-section of humanity requires much work from the Saudi organisers: how to maintain crowd safety, ensure swift medical treatment for those who need it, combat the extreme heat of the Saudi summer and generally ensure a secure and orderly experience for the pilgrims. A closer look at this year's preparations, however, not only reveals the evolution of the Hajj in Saudi Arabia but also suggests ways in which other mass gatherings can be more safely managed. Technology features heavily in this year's Hajj safety efforts. This week, the Saudi authorities switched on the world's largest cooling system inside Makkah's Grand Mosque. With a total capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tonnes, the two cooling stations also remove 95 per cent of impurities to protect pilgrims from air pollution. Drones will be used to carry medicines to pilgrims, slashing delivery times by avoiding traffic and crowds, and last month, Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al Dossary said that more than 5,000 communications towers, more than 9,000 5G and 4G stations and over 2,000 kilometres of optical fibre would be used for crowd and pilgrim management. The enormity of managing an event like Hajj also continues to spur innovation. In April, the airline Saudia – the kingdom's flag carrier – introduced a high-tech line of ihram clothing complete with special cooling minerals and UPF 50+ sun protection. The country has also rolled out a major update to its Nusuk card, a unified ID issued to each pilgrim and worker during the Hajj season that contains the holder's health and residential information. This helps people move more easily between the Grand Mosque and other holy sites associated, and speeds up medical treatment in the case of an emergency. Successfully managing such a colossal number of people in a very small space requires a joined-up approach that blends logistics, security, health care and immigration The work to make Hajj as safe as possible begins before the pilgrimage even starts. As well as requiring visiting pilgrims to prove that they have vaccinations against yellow fever, meningitis, polio, Covid and influenza, the authorities also ensure that only those who are registered can take part; last week 26 people in Saudi Arabia were arrested for taking more than 80 pilgrims to Makkah to perform the Hajj without a permit, a reckless offence that puts people's lives at risk. Successfully managing such a colossal number of people in a very small space requires a joined-up approach that blends logistics, security, health care and immigration. Although not every country has the resources to introduce smart platforms or real-time crowd-control analytics, observing how Hajj management uses quota systems, pre-emptive planning and rigorously enforced laws might offer some lessons on how to make major mass gatherings a safe space for reflection and fulfilment.
