By Raziq Ali Shah
MAKKAH AL MUKARRAMAH, Jun 03 (APP): As the curtain rises on Hajj 2025, the tranquil valley of Mina braces itself for an influx of around 1.6 million devout pilgrims—including over 115,000 Pakistanis—converging from all corners of the globe to embark on a spiritual journey on today night (Tuesday night) that culminates in the sacred celebration of Eid al-Azha.
For nearly a month, the faithful have gathered in Makkah, the land revered as Umm al-Qura (Mother of All Settlements)—the epitome of Divine planning—to engage in profound communion with the Creator, beseeching His forgiveness and invoking blessings upon their souls.
According to official reports, around 1.5 million pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia in anticipation of the Hajj, with more expected to join them. They will be joined by hundreds of thousands of Saudis and local residents as the pilgrimage officially commences on Wednesday.
Following last year’s heatwave, the Saudi authorities have already mobilized over 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials to double their efforts against heat strokes, the report further said. Similarly, shaded areas have been expanded by 50,000 square metres, and numerous cooling mist systems and water fountains have been installed to facilitate the guests of Allah Almighty at the holy land.
Pakistan has meticulously orchestrated arrangements to support its pilgrims through every facet of the journey—from the moment they arrive in Madinah and Makkah. From airport reception to transportation, accommodation, nourishment, medical care, guidance by Moavineen (Hajj Support Staff), and onward to the sacred sites (Mashair) and back home, every detail has been carefully managed.
The pilgrimage begins with the solemn act of entering ihram—a sacred state—upon crossing the outer boundaries of Makkah, known as Miqat, marking the commencement of the sacred journey.
On the eve of the 7th and 8th of Zilhaj, pilgrims proceed to Mina, spanning a distance of 8.1 kilometers, using various modes of transportation including trains and buses as they settle into the vast tent city. This year, the Saudi Authorities restricted movement of pilgrims on foot due to expected extreme heatwave condition and to protect pilgrims from heat related illness.
The 8th of Zilhaj, known as Tarwiyyah Day, finds pilgrims immersed in prayer and reflection in the serene precincts of Mina, preparing spiritually for the sacred ascent that lies ahead.
At dawn on the 9th of Zilhaj, pilgrims embark on the pivotal leg of the journey, proceeding to the plains of Arafat to partake in collective prayers and supplications, punctuated by the Khutbah (sermon) delivered from Masjid al-Nimra on Mount Arafat.
The Day of Arafah holds profound significance—hailed in Surah al-Ma’idah as the day Allah perfected His religion, completed His favor upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and ratified Islam as the ultimate way of life.
As the sun sets, pilgrims depart Arafat for Muzdalifah, where they offer Maghrib and Isha prayers—abbreviated to two rakats each—before collecting pebbles for the ritual of Rami over the coming days.
The 10th of Zilhaj, the Day of Sacrifice (Yawm al-Nahr), witnesses pilgrims returning to Mina from Muzdalifah, offering animal sacrifices, commencing the Rami ritual, and marking the global celebration of Eid al-Azha.
Over the next three days, pilgrims continue the Rami ritual, casting seven pebbles on the first day and 21 on each subsequent day, while also trimming or shaving their hair—symbolizing spiritual renewal and rebirth.
On the 12th of Zilhaj, the climax of the Hajj journey unfolds as pilgrims return to Makkah to perform the rites of Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah. These rites, integral to the Hajj experience, follow the completion of key acts such as the symbolic stoning of the devil, the sacrificial offering, and hair trimming.
With the completion of Tawaf and Sa’i, pilgrims find a moment of respite, free from the restrictions of ihram. Yet their hearts remain tethered to the sanctity of the pilgrimage, prompting them to return to their tents in Mina to fulfill the remaining obligations of Hajj.
Before departing Makkah, pilgrims undertake the poignant ritual of the farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida), marking the conclusion of their spiritual odyssey. This solemn act includes completing seven laps around the Kaaba, offering two rakats of prayer, and drinking from the blessed waters of Zamzam. Unlike previous Tawaf rituals, no Sa’i or hair trimming is required after this final circumambulation, symbolizing the formal completion of their sacred pilgrimage.
