MAKKAH: Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, in white seamless ihram dress have reached Mina, marking the commencement of the Hajj rituals and following the footsteps of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), situated seven km northeast of the Grand Mosque, Mina has a significant position between Makkah and Muzdalifah. This valley, surrounded by mountains from the north and south, lies within the boundaries of the Haram. Inhabited only during the Hajj period, Mina is bordered by Jamarat Al-Aqaba on the Makkah side and Wadi Muhsir on the Muzdalifah side.
The holy city of Makkah echoed with chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” as more than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world prepared themselves for Hajj. The pilgrims are spending the Tarwiah Day today, Dhul Hijjah 8, in the tent city. They are spending the Tarwiyah Day in prayers in their tents in preparation for Saturday’s standing at Arafat, the pinnacle of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj.
The SPA reported that the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has announced that the service committees have readied the pilgrims’ headquarters in the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah to receive pilgrims from 88 countries performing this year’s Hajj under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program.
The Ministry has equipped the pilgrims’ headquarters in the holy sites with guidance and welcome signs and interactive smart screens with various phrases welcoming the hosts during their performance of the Hajj under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, the SPA reported. For their part, pilgrims expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince for their services to Islam and Muslims and to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for the hospitality they received, the SPA maintained.
According to the SPA, the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has prepared an extraordinary operational plan for three consecutive sermons during the Hajj season. The sermons are the Friday sermon on the day of Tarwiyah, the sermon on the Day of Arafat, and the sermon on Eid Al-Adha.
President of Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al Sudais, said that the presidency, with its important role in conveying the true message of Islam from the heart of the Two Holy Mosques, has given special attention to this important event. He added that the presidency had formed an independent committee to prepare a standard plan to outline the broad lines for maximizing the benefits of the three sermons.
Al Sudais said this effort would enrich the religious experience of the pilgrims, convey the message of the Two Holy Mosques globally, and highlight Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving them and their visitors.
This will also shed light on the Kingdom’s utilization of religious events to serve humanity and promote moderation and tolerance worldwide, showcasing the nation’s competence and leadership in event management.
