Nearly 2 million pilgrims have come from abroad for what is described as the largest gathering of Muslims in the world. They will be joined by nearly 1 million from within Saudi Arabia, including a large number of expatriates.
The weather was moderate with a mild and cool breeze blowing across the Mina valley.
Saudi Arabia has left nothing to chance to ensure that pilgrims perform the arduous rituals with ease and comfort. Following instructions from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, all Haj-related ministries and security agencies have mobilized their resources in the service of the guests of Allah.
All Muslims are required to perform Haj at least once in their lifetimes if they have the means to do so. Pilgrims from nearly 150 countries are taking part in this year’s Haj. Among the countries that have sent the largest contingents of pilgrims are India, Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia and Turkey.
The Saudi religious authorities have announced that the standing on the Mount of Arafat in prayer by pilgrims, the high point of the annual pilgrimage, will take place tomorrow.
The following day will be Eid Al-Adha, the feast of the sacrifice, when Muslims worldwide slaughter lambs, goats and camels to mark Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son Ismail upon instructions from Allah.
Many pilgrims began leaving for Mina last night after circumambulating the Holy Kaaba, the first house of worship on Earth, built by Adam. Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail rebuilt it some 5,000 years ago. Most Haj rituals are related to Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hager and Ismail, and thus reflect the unity of humanity.
The whole atmosphere in and around the Grand Mosque yesterday was charged with piety and religious fervor and the pilgrims, men, women and children, were speaking only one language — the language of the Holy Qur’an. There were tears of joy in their eyes.
