Millions of Pilgrims from around the world have started arriving in Mina from Makkah as the annual Hajj 2026 pilgrimage officially begins. The movement toward Mina marks the start of one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
Saudi authorities have activated extensive operational plans to manage the flow of Pilgrims during the sacred journey. Worshippers are spending the day and night in Mina, also known as the Tent City, where they are offering prayers and preparing for the most important stages of Hajj.
According to reports, nearly 12 million Pilgrims are expected to proceed to the plains of Arafat after Fajr prayers tomorrow. The Day of Arafat is considered the central pillar of Hajj and one of the holiest days in Islam.
During Wuquf-e-Arafat, Pilgrims will gather near Masjid al-Nimrah to listen to the Hajj sermon. They will also offer combined and shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers. The day will mainly be spent in worship, repentance, and supplication until sunset.
Religious scholars describe the Day of Arafat as the spiritual climax of Hajj. Millions of worshippers are expected to pray for forgiveness, peace, and blessings while standing together in devotion.
After sunset, Pilgrims will travel to Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night under the open sky. During their stay, worshippers will offer combined Maghrib and Isha prayers and collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning ritual.
On the 10th of Zul Hijjah, Pilgrims will return to Mina to perform Rami, the ritual of stoning the Jamarat. The ritual symbolizes the rejection of evil and follows the traditions associated with Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Following the stoning ritual, Pilgrims will perform animal sacrifice as part of Eidul Azha rituals. Men will then shave or trim their hair before exiting the state of Ihram.
After completing these rites, Pilgrims will travel to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ziyarah around the Holy Kaaba. They will later return to Mina to continue the remaining Hajj rituals.
The stoning of the Jamarat will continue during the following days of Hajj. Pilgrims are expected to depart Mina before sunset on the 12th of Zul Hijjah after completing all mandatory rites.
Saudi authorities have deployed large numbers of security personnel, healthcare workers, and emergency teams to assist Pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage. Cooling systems, water distribution services, and medical facilities have also been expanded due to extreme temperatures in the region.
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Despite the intense heat, the atmosphere in Mina and surrounding holy sites remains deeply spiritual. Pilgrims from different countries, languages, and cultures continue to gather in unity to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam.
