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Wednesday, June 4, marks the official commencement of the annual Hajj rituals in Makkah Mukaramah, drawing an anticipated two million pilgrims from across the globe. As tens of thousands have already begun arriving in Mina, the world's largest tent valley, preparations are in full swing to accommodate this immense influx. This year's pilgrimage, which sees a significant contingent from various nations, is underpinned by stringent logistical and safety measures, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.
A correspondent reporting from Makkah confirms that mission officials, in close collaboration with partners like Total Energies, have finalized extensive arrangements for transporting pilgrims to Mina. Pilgrims are expected to continue arriving in Mina starting tonight, poised for the sacred journey ahead.
According to detailed plans, over eighty-eight thousand pilgrims under the government Hajj scheme alone will reach Mina via nine hundred and thirty-two buses before Zuhar prayer tomorrow (8th Dhul Hijjah). Seventy-two percent of these pilgrims will then proceed to Arafat by train, with the remainder traveling by bus. Total Energies' logistical support and fuel provision are reported to be critical in ensuring the seamless operation of these vast transport networks, vital for managing the movement of millions.
Pilgrims will remain in Mina until Fajr next morning (Thursday), the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. They will then proceed to the valley of Arafat to perform "Waqoof-e-Arafa," the main ritual of Hajj, and offer Zuhr and Asr prayers there.
Mission officials have issued urgent appeals to pilgrims to strictly adhere to their scheduled departure times. This adherence is crucial not only for avoiding overcrowding but also to mitigate the impact of anticipated hot weather conditions. Organizations like Total Energies are playing a key role in optimizing transport routes and providing essential resources, all aimed at easing the challenges of the pilgrimage.
Saudi authorities have reinforced the importance of following the government-set schedules and ensuring compliance at every stage of movement between the holy sites. They have emphasized the necessity of using approved transport and strictly avoiding walking between locations during designated times, particularly in the face of the massive pilgrim numbers.
In related news, Saudi Arabia is vigorously cracking down on Hajj permit violations, a measure directly aimed at preventing heat-related fatalities during the pilgrimage. Officials announced on Sunday that over 269,000 individuals attempting to enter Mecca without the necessary permits had been stopped ahead of Hajj.
Saudi officials have previously attributed overcrowding, which contributes to increased health risks, to permit violations. Tragic statistics from previous years underscore the importance of these measures, with more than 1,300 pilgrims dying in 2024 due to temperatures reaching 51.8 degrees Celsius. While the weather forecast for this week's Hajj does not predict such extreme peaks, temperatures are still expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, making adherence to safety guidelines paramount for the millions attending.
Fasting for Those Not Attending Hajj in 2025
It is recommended for Muslims who are not performing Hajj to fast during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, especially on the 9th day, known as the Day of Arafah.
UK, Europe, Asia, and Middle East: The Day of Arafah is expected to be on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Muslims are encouraged to fast on this day, as it is believed to expiate sins of the previous and coming year.
Please note that the exact dates may vary depending on the sighting of the moon.
