2 million pilgrims unite in faith, hope, and devotion at Mina.
The sacred journey of Hajj has officially commenced, as nearly two million devoted pilgrims settle into the vast, sprawling tent city of Mina — a symbol of unity, faith, and spiritual renewal.
Hajj: A Pillar of Faith and a Global Gathering
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws Muslims from every corner of the globe, each embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage that transcends borders and backgrounds, fulfilling a profound call of the heart and soul.
The Resonance of Devotion: Labbaik Echoes Through Makkah
Makkah’s air vibrates with the powerful, heartfelt chants of Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik — “Here I am, O Allah, here I am”— as pilgrims begin their journey of devotion and submission.
Pakistani Pilgrims Join the Sacred Caravan
Among them, 88,301 Pakistani pilgrims undertake this blessed journey through government arrangements, while 27,012 more perform Hajj via private operators. Their buses carry them from neighborhoods like Aziziyah, Naseem, and Batha Quraish, converging in Mina, where faith and hope intertwine.
Ihram and Intention: Preparing Hearts and Souls
After donning the sacred ihram and offering two rakats of prayer, each pilgrim renews their sacred intention for Hajj and moves forward with hearts full of anticipation. On the morning of 9th Dhul-Hijjah, they will gather at the plains of Arafat for Wuquf-e-Arafat — the pivotal standing before Allah that defines this pilgrimage.
The Day of Arafat: Reflection and Devotion
Following the inspiring Hajj sermon on this holy day, pilgrims offer the combined Zuhr and Asr prayers and remain at Arafat until sunset — immersed in reflection and prayers.
Journey to Muzdalifah: Night Under the Stars
Without pausing for Maghrib at Arafat, the pilgrims journey to Muzdalifah, where they offer combined Maghrib and Isha prayers beneath the vast open sky, resting under Allah’s watchful gaze.
Symbolic Stoning and Renewal of Spirit
In Muzdalifah, pilgrims gather pebbles to cast upon the symbolic pillars representing the devil — a ritual cleansing the soul of worldly ties. On 10th Dhul-Hijjah, they perform Ramy al-Jamarat by casting seven stones at the largest pillar, followed by sacrificial rites. Men honor tradition by shaving their heads, while women trim their hair — marks of renewal and completion of Ihram.
Continuing the Rituals: Tawaf and Sa’i
On 11th Dhul-Hijjah, the stoning ritual continues with all three pillars — small, medium, and large — each receiving seven stones. Then, with hearts humbled and spirits lifted, pilgrims make their way to the Holy Kaaba for Tawaf al-Ziyarah (Farewell Tawaf), followed by the Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, echoing the footsteps of Hajar (may Allah be pleased with her).
The Final Days: Completing the Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage’s sacred rituals extend to 12th Dhul-Hijjah, when pilgrims stone the devils again and choose to either return to their lodgings in Makkah or stay in Mina until the 13th to complete their devotions.
The Day of Tarwiyah: A Sea of Faith in Mina
Chanting the sacred words Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, more than 1.5 million pilgrims gathered in Mina on the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the solemn commencement of this spiritual odyssey.
Flawless Coordination: Seamless Movement of Pilgrims
Thanks to meticulous planning by Saudi authorities, over 8,000 buses smoothly transported worshippers to Mina, as an atmosphere of faith and unity embraced every step.
A Global Brotherhood: Pilgrims from Around the World
This year, over 1.47 million international pilgrims join hundreds of thousands of local devotees, including 2,443 guests from 100 nations hosted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman.
The Arrival Tawaf: Welcomed by the Sacred Kaaba
Arriving in Makkah on Tuesday, pilgrims performed Tawaf Al-Qudum (Arrival Tawaf), one of the sacred rites welcoming them to this blessed land. The air brimmed with heartfelt Talbiyah chants, weaving together a tapestry of faith and brotherhood.
Night of Prayer and Reflection in Mina
Following the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), pilgrims spend the night in Mina in prayer and reflection, preparing for the most significant rite — the standing at Arafat, the spiritual heart of Hajj.
Technology and Tradition: Ensuring Safety and Spirituality
Behind the scenes, Saudi authorities and Hajj missions worldwide have mobilized 250,000 personnel from over 40 government agencies. Cutting-edge AI and drone technology monitor the crowds, ensuring the safety and comfort of every pilgrim.
Spiritual Guidance: Wisdom of the Scholars
Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh welcomes visitors with compassion, appointing scholars to guide pilgrims through their sacred journey. Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais encourages pilgrims to keep reciting the Talbiyah until the stoning ritual at Jamarat Al-Aqaba.
Health and Safety: Braving the Desert Heat
With the desert sun blazing, health officials urge pilgrims to stay hydrated and protect themselves from the heat, as white umbrellas bloom like flowers among the faithful.
Hajj: A Timeless Testament of Faith and Unity
Hajj — a profound testament to faith, unity, and submission to the Divine — remains one of the world’s largest and most moving spiritual gatherings, spanning five to six transformative days.