Over 2 million Muslims from around the world have gathered in Saudi Arabia to begin the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the most sacred rituals in Islam.
According to Andolu Ajansi on Friday, pilgrims made their way to the Grand Mosque, then headed towards Mina, a valley located 7 kilometers northeast of the mosque. This marks the start of the Hajj rituals, following in the footsteps of the Prophet Mohammed.
Mina holds a crucial position between Mecca and Muzdalifah. This valley, flanked by mountains to the north and south, is populated only during the Hajj period and lies within the boundaries of the Haram or Great Mosque.
To ensure a safe and successful pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia has made extensive preparations to welcome Hajj pilgrims at the initial stages of the rituals, including setting up four hospitals ready to deal with any contingencies and departments for combating heat stress and sunstroke, the Saudi News Agency said on Thursday.
Additionally, multi-story residential towers have been built in Mina to house over 30,000 pilgrims, featuring modern designs inspired by the urban identity of the holy sites.
Saudi Arabia has announced plans to host 1,000 family members of Palestinians killed or wounded in Gaza for the Hajj pilgrimage, under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program.
The initiative is organized by the Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry under a directive of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program, according to SPA.
The king’s directive follows a similar one issued in May, bringing the total number hosted from Palestine for this year’s Hajj to 2,000, Arab News reported.
Hajj is the fifth pillar of the Islamic faith, a ritual that must be performed by all Muslims who are financially able at least once in their lives. The pilgrimage includes various rituals that symbolize essential Islamic concepts and commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham and his family.
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