Hajj Rituals Begin as Pilgrims Arrive in Mina
News Desk
Makkah: The annual Hajj pilgrimage officially began on Wednesday as more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims from across the world started arriving in the tent city of Mina to perform the sacred rituals of Hajj.
Pilgrims spent the first day of Hajj, known as Yawm al-Tarwiyah, in Mina, where they offered Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha prayers while reciting Talbiyah, “Labaik Allahumma Labaik”, in an atmosphere filled with devotion and spirituality.
Tomorrow, on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims will depart for the plains of Arafat after Fajr prayers to perform Wuquf-e-Arafah, regarded as the most significant pillar of Hajj.
Saudi authorities have finalized extensive arrangements to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims during the pilgrimage. Special measures have been implemented for security, electricity, water supply, healthcare services and protection against extreme heat.
Modern cooling systems, mist-spraying fans, shaded walkways and large awnings have been installed across Mina, Arafat and other holy sites to help pilgrims cope with soaring temperatures.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/heat-and-hope-millions-gather-at-mount-arafat-for-pinnacle-of-hajj-2025/
Saudi officials said tree plantation projects around the Plain of Arafat and Nimrah Mosque have also been completed to help reduce heat levels and improve the environment for pilgrims. Dedicated pedestrian routes with additional facilities have been prepared to ease movement between holy sites.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, visited camps housing Pakistani pilgrims and reviewed arrangements for their stay and transportation. He also met Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and thanked the Saudi government for its efforts in organizing the pilgrimage.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/90000-pakistani-pilgrims-arrive-as-hajj-mission-crosses-77-mark/
Hajj mission officials and group administrators continued guiding pilgrims regarding the Day of Tarwiyah and upcoming rituals, while security personnel remained deployed along key routes leading to Mina and Arafat.
Volunteers from the Saudi Red Crescent and welfare organizations were also actively assisting pilgrims by providing medical support, guidance and emergency services.
The Saudi Ministry of Health distributed awareness material in multiple languages and advised pilgrims to take precautions against heat exposure. Pilgrims were urged to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, reduce unnecessary walking and use umbrellas regularly.
Local residents of Makkah also joined the spirit of service by distributing water bottles and refreshments to pilgrims traveling towards Mina, reflecting the traditional hospitality and brotherhood associated with Hajj.
