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Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Over 1.5 million pilgrims converge on Mina as Hajj begins officially
Saudi Gazette report MINA — Chanting 'Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik...' ('Here I am, O God, here I am answering your call...'), more than 1.5 million pilgrims converged on Mina on Wednesday, the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the official beginning of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj. The ascent of pilgrims on the tent city was completed smoothly by Wednesday afternoon in accordance with a foolproof and flawless organizational and operational plan mapped out by the Saudi authorities. More than 1.47 million pilgrims from all around the world were joined by hundreds of thousands of domestic pilgrims in performing Hajj this year. These include 2443 pilgrims, who came from 100 countries, to perform Hajj as guests of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Those pilgrims who arrived in Makkah on Tuesday performed Tawaf Al-Qudum (Tawaf of Arrival), one of the obligatory rituals of Hajj, before heading for the vast sprawling tent city of Mina. The chanting of talbiyah reverberated the entire valley of Mina and roads and streets leading to the tent city as pilgrims streamed to the valley, praising and glorifying God, in an atmosphere of spirituality and faith. In a serene spiritual atmosphere, amidst well-organized security and integrated services, and meticulous implementation of field plans, pilgrims descended on Mina. More than 8,000 buses transported pilgrims to their camps from their accommodation in Makkah. Retracing the noble tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the pilgrims will spend throughout the day and night on the Tarwiyah Day, in Mina. The 5-6 day Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. On the first day of Hajj rituals, they are engaged in supplications and make final preparations for the Standing (wuqoof) at Arafat, the most important pillar of Hajj, marking the pinnacle of the annual pilgrimage, on Thursday. They immerse in supplications to God for their forgiveness and salvation. Pilgrims began arriving in Mina in the early hours of Wednesday. As the night wore on Tuesday, all roads and highways leading into the vast plains of Mina, located seven km northeast of the Grand Mosque, were filled with pilgrims, who made their way by vehicles or by foot to the world's largest tent city where they will camp overnight. The Saudi authorities and Hajj missions of various countries have completed elaborate preparations and foolproof arrangements that enabled the pilgrims to complete their smooth movement to the tent city of Mina. The pilgrims' movement has taken place smoothly, thanks to the vast arrangements made by the authorities. Saudi authorities have mobilized all their human and material resources to make the pilgrimage hassle-free and a great success. Artificial intelligence technology helped process the deluge of data, including video from a new fleet of drones, to better manage the massive crowds. Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and Head of the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, received those seeking religious fatwas at his residence in Mina on Wednesday. He directed the assignment of five eminent scholars to respond to the pilgrims' inquiries during the Hajj season. Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of the Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, urged pilgrims to frequently recite the Talbiyah from the time they enter in the state of ihram for Hajj until they begin stoning at Jamarat Al-Aqaba on the Day of Sacrifice, Dhul Hijjah 10. Sheikh Al-Sudais said that it is recommended to pray on time, shortening them without combining them, except for Maghrib and Fajr which should not be shortened. This year's Hajj takes place in sweltering temperatures that test the endurance of worshipers during the mostly outdoor rituals. Many pilgrims are seen carrying white umbrellas to protect themselves from the scorching sun. The Ministry of Health has issued a heat advisory for pilgrims in the wake of scorching surface temperatures, which pose a significant health risk. Following last year's lethal heat wave, authorities have mobilized more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials to improve protection. The Ministry of Health has given top priority for the prevention of heat-related illnesses. It urged pilgrims to use umbrellas, drink water regularly and wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. Pilgrims are also advised to avoid direct sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, refrain from walking on hot surfaces, and exercise caution when engaging in strenuous activities
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Pilgrims start flocking to Mina from Makkah early on Wednesday
Saudi Gazette Report MINA — Pilgrims started flocking to Mina from their residences in Makkah early on Wednesday, Dhul Hijjah 8, to spend the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj. Following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), they are reciting talbiyah and glorifying God while heading to the Tent City. Hundreds of thousands of domestic pilgrims join more than 1.47 million foreign pilgrims who came from all over the world to perform Hajj this year. Dr. Mohammed Al-Qarni, director general of Hajj and Umrah at the General Transportation Center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, said that international pilgrims have completed their arrival in Makkah, while domestic pilgrims reached Makkah and performed Tawaf Al-Qudum before heading to Mina tonight in preparation for performing the Hajj rituals. "The arrival phase of international pilgrims has been completed, with travel between Makkah and Madinah occurring over the past 36 days. No incidents have been recorded that would impede the movement of pilgrims during this phase. We are now receiving domestic pilgrims, who started arriving in Makkah on Monday night and Tuesday and performed tawaf,' he said. Dr. Al-Qarni said that pilgrims' movement will begin from 8:00 pm on Tuesday until 10 am on Wednesday. The Tarwiyah phase of the ascent from Mina to Arafat will begin via three modes of transportation. 'The Mashair train will carry 316,000 pilgrims, while multi-modal and traditional transportation will transport approximately 720,000 pilgrims. These numbers include their arrival and ascending on Arafat on the morning of Thursday, Dhul Hijjah 9, the Day of Arafat,' he said. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has completed preparations at Al-Khayf Mosque in Mina to receive pilgrims with spreading prayer rugs on an area covering more than 27,000 square meters as part of an integrated operational and technical service system designed to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the pilgrims. This year, Al-Khayf Mosque underwent several major upgrades, including a comprehensive overhaul of its air-conditioning and ventilation systems. The enhancements feature the installation of advanced cooling units connected to smart control systems, as well as monitoring systems that detect carbon dioxide levels and automatically activate fans and cooling devices, thereby improving operational efficiency and maximizing comfort for the pilgrims. In the wake of the forecast of sweltering summer temperatures, the Saud authorities have made elaborate arrangements and preparations to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. Dr. Abdullah Asir, deputy minister of health, said that the ministry has mobilized a total of 50,000 healthcare workers and administrative staff 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. "Capacity this year has been expanded by more than 60 percent compared to last year," he said. Eng. Khaled Al-Tala'a, spokesman of the Ministry of Health, revealed that the health status of pilgrims is stable. He announced the launch of three field hospitals and the operation of 71 emergency points. Al-Tala'a also noted that the bed capacity has increased by 60 percent compared to the previous year, and that more than 98,000 health services have been provided to date.
