Hajj Pilgrims Head to Muzdalifah after Arafat, as Mina Prepares for Their Return

Hajj pilgrims commenced their journey from the plain of Arafat to Muzdalifah at sunset on Tuesday, marking the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. This move follows the completion of the Hajj's greatest pillar – standing on Arafat – and precedes their overnight stay in Muzdalifah.

Saudi security and service teams were strategically positioned across the holy sites to facilitate the pilgrims' movement. The pilgrims will remain in Muzdalifah until dawn on Wednesday, the first day of Eid al-Adha, before proceeding to Mina. There, they will undertake the ritual stoning of Jamarat al-Aqaba, offer animal sacrifices, shave or shorten their hair, and complete the remaining days of the pilgrimage.

An estimated 1.7 million pilgrims gathered in Arafat earlier on Tuesday. Dressed in simple white ihrams, they engaged in fervent prayers for forgiveness and mercy, embodying a spirit of unity despite diverse nationalities, languages, and backgrounds. The pilgrims performed combined noon and afternoon prayers at Al-Namirah Mosque, listening to the sermon delivered by Sheikh Dr. Ali Al-Hudhaifi.

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the Kingdom’s leadership gives great attention to serving pilgrims and harnessing all technical and human resources so they can perform their rituals safely and smoothly from arrival to departure.

Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of the Makkah Region, affirmed the Saudi leadership's dedication to serving pilgrims. He stated that all available technical and human resources are being utilized to ensure pilgrims can perform their rituals safely and smoothly. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's long-standing mission of serving the Grand Mosque and its visitors, a commitment reinforced by the current leadership.

Prince Saud welcomed the pilgrims on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He noted that the Day of Arafat exemplifies the highest meanings of unity and equality. The Kingdom has mobilized its resources for infrastructure development, facility preparation, and the deployment of modern technologies, harnessing national talent to facilitate the pilgrimage. He stressed Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to improving services for pilgrims, guided by its mission toward Islam and Muslims, and praised the pilgrims' cooperation.

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The Day of Arafat embodies the highest meanings of unity and equality.