MINA — Pilgrims began arriving in Mina on Wednesday, the 8th of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH, to observe the Day of Tarwiyah, signaling the formal start of Hajj rituals for 2025. Approximately 64% of pilgrims are spending the day in Mina, while the remaining 36% will proceed directly to Arafat for the central rite of Hajj, before returning to Mina via Muzdalifah for the days of Tashreeq. Located roughly seven kilometers northeast of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Mina holds significant religious and historical value. It was here that Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) stoned the devil and offered his son Ismail in sacrifice, a tradition reaffirmed by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his Farewell Pilgrimage. Mina houses key landmarks such as the three Jamarat pillars and Masjid Al-Kheef, a mosque where multiple prophets are believed to have prayed. The site also holds political significance, as it was the location of the first and second Pledges of Aqabah, where early Muslim converts from Yathrib (now Madinah) pledged allegiance to the Prophet. To commemorate these events, the Abbasid Caliph Abu Ja'far Al-Mansur built the Mosque of the Pledge in 144 AH near the site. Recognizing the logistical and spiritual importance of Mina, Saudi authorities have expanded infrastructure and service provisions. Security, health, food, and transportation systems have been fully activated to support the influx of pilgrims. Government agencies emphasized their commitment to ensuring a safe and serene environment, enabling pilgrims to fulfill their rites in peace. The Saudi government's preparations for Hajj 1446 reflect its dedication to hosting millions of pilgrims annually, with a focus on efficiency, safety, and spiritual enrichment.
