Hajj commences as Saudi Arabia welcomes millions of Muslims from around the world

The annual Hajj pilgrimage commenced early on Monday, the eighth day of Dul Hijjah, with millions of Muslims from around the world taking part for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pilgrims arrived at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Sunday where they performed the Tawaf al-Qudum, known as the Tawaf of Arrival – the first step of the Hajj pilgrimage after entering the state of ihram. Ihram refers to a sacred state that Muslims enter and remain in during the special rituals and events that are required to complete Hajj or Umrah.

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TIME-LAPSE: Tawaaf Before Fajr Prayers at Masjid Al Haram pic.twitter.com/ALzRHnqRE1

— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) June 26, 2023

They then performed Sa’i between the hills of Safa and Marwa, a ritual that serves to honor the mother of the Prophet Ismail and signifies her devotion and faith in God.

Sa'ee after Fajr Prayers at Masjid Al Haram pic.twitter.com/AhHdZqJAlz

— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) June 26, 2023

As the sun rose on Monday morning, the pilgrims gathered in the Grand Mosque to pray the sunrise prayers before setting off to Mina.

Beautiful Images of Masjid Al Haram #Hajj2023 pic.twitter.com/xbPPGfhhGZ

— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) June 25, 2023

They then embarked on the journey to Mina where they will spend an entire day and night praying and preparing for the most significant day of the Islamic pilgrimage.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set up thousands of tents in the area to ensure the pilgrims stay well-rested. During their stay, the pilgrims will read the Quran and offer prayers all night.

Masjid Al Haram, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah will have thousands of pilgrims over the course of the next 5 days where hundreds of busses will be transporting pilgrims to and from each place. pic.twitter.com/DIDwLt80iC

— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) June 26, 2023

On the ninth day of Dul Hijjah, the most pivotal day of Hajj, the pilgrims will flock to Mount Arafat. The mountain is believed to be the place where Adam and Eve met again after God sent them back to Earth and where the Prophet Muhammad gave his last sermon.

A Muslim pilgrim prays atop Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), southeast of the holy city of Mecca, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, early on July 8, 2022. (File photo: AFP)

They will then move on to Muzdalifah and spend the night supplicating and collected pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual before proceeding with the final steps of the Hajj pilgrimage ahead of Eid al-Adha.

Muslim pilgrims cast stones at the huge stone pillar in the symbolic stoning of the devil during the annual Haj pilgrimage on the first day of Eid al-Adha in Mina. (File photo: AP)

Restrictions on the number of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj season were lifted for the first time in several years after the Coronavirus outbreak forced Saudi authorities to limit the capacity.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq al-Rabiah told a press conference on Thursday that authorities would continue to provide the best services to pilgrims under the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The directives to lift restrictions were based on a thorough review of health indicators and the recommendations of health authorities, as well as the Kingdom’s readiness to organize Hajj with pilgrim numbers returning to their pre-pandemic levels, according to the minister.

Read more:

Cost of Hajj reduced by 39 percent for international pilgrims, says Saudi minister

Hajj 2023: Saudi Red Crescent says more than 2,300 volunteers ready to help pilgrims

Explainer: What is the Hajj pilgrimage and what does it mean for Muslims?