MAKKAH (Kashmir English): Annual Hajj rituals will begin in Makkah Mukaramah today (Wednesday) with the arrival of tens of thousands of pilgrims at Mina.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Hajj Mission, in collaboration with Saudi authorities, has completed all arrangements for transportation of pilgrims to the world’s largest tent village at Mina.
The intending pilgrims are arriving in Mina. According to details, over eighty-eight thousand Pakistani pilgrims under government Hajj scheme will reach Mina via nine hundred and thirty-two buses before Zuhar prayer today (8th Dhul Hijjah).
Seventy-two percent of the Pakistani pilgrims will go to Arafat by train while the rest will embark on their sacred journey by buses.
Pilgrims will remain at Mina until Fajr next morning (Thursday), the 9th Dhul Hijjah.
Then, the Hujjaj will proceed to the valley of Arafat to perform “Waqoof-e-Arafa”, the main ritual of Hajj and offer Zuhr and Asr prayers there.
Pakistan Hajj Mission has urged Pakistani pilgrims to follow their scheduled departure time to avoid the risk of overcrowding and hot weather conditions.
It is pertinent to mention that the Saudi authorities have also emphasized the importance of adhering to the schedules set by the government and ensuring compliance at all stages of the movement between the holy sites.
The authorities have stressed the necessity of using the approved means of transport, as outlined in the official transportation plan, and refraining from walking between locations during the designated times.
Hajj guide
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior on Tuesday issued a comprehensive guide to ensure the safety, security and smooth movement of pilgrims during Hajj.
The guide highlights peak times within the Grand Mosque and its courtyards, as well as guidance on the use of vehicles during Hajj season.
It also explains crowd-management protocols, and stresses the important need for all pilgrims to adhere to designated grouping times when performing rituals during the various stages of the pilgrimage, including Tawaf, Sa’i and the stoning of the Jamarat.
According to the ministry, the guide is designed to help pilgrims perform their rituals safely, easily and with peace of mind.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that citizens and residents were urged to comply with all Hajj-related regulations and report any violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other parts of the Kingdom.
