The serene valley of Mina is preparing for a significant influx of 2.5 million pilgrims, including 160,000 Pakistanis, gathering from around the world for the Hajj pilgrimage culminating in Eidul Azha celebrations.
Already, over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of the official start of Hajj. The pilgrimage begins with pilgrims donning the Ihram—a white robe—upon entering Makkah’s outer limits known as Miqat.
On the 8th of Zilhaj, known as Tarwiyyah Day, pilgrims engage in prayers and introspection in Mina. The pivotal Hajj sermon takes place on the 9th of Zilhaj at Masjid al-Nimra in Arafat, followed by rituals in Muzdalifah where pilgrims collect pebbles for the Rami ritual.
During the subsequent days, pilgrims continue the Rami by casting pebbles and performing symbolic acts of spiritual renewal like trimming or shaving their hair. The 10th of Zilhaj, the Day of Sacrifice, sees pilgrims offering sacrifices.
The climax occurs on the 12th of Zilhaj as pilgrims undertake Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’ai of Safa and Marwah in Makkah, marking the conclusion of key Hajj rites. This year’s Hajj is challenged by high temperatures, prompting Saudi officials to implement cooling measures, though climate experts warn of ongoing climate change impacts.