MINA — Chanting "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik..." ("Here I am, O God, here I am answering your call..."), more than 1.5 million pilgrims converged on Mina on Wednesday, the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the official beginning of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj. The ascent of pilgrims on the tent city was completed smoothly by Wednesday afternoon in accordance with a foolproof and flawless organizational and operational plan mapped out by the Saudi authorities. More than 1.47 million pilgrims from all around the world were joined by hundreds of thousands of domestic pilgrims in performing Hajj this year. These include 2443 pilgrims, who came from 100 countries, to perform Hajj as guests of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Those pilgrims who arrived in Makkah on Tuesday performed Tawaf Al-Qudum (Tawaf of Arrival), one of the obligatory rituals of Hajj, before heading for the vast sprawling tent city of Mina. The chanting of talbiyah reverberated the entire valley of Mina and roads and streets leading to the tent city as pilgrims streamed to the valley, praising and glorifying God, in an atmosphere of spirituality and faith. In a serene spiritual atmosphere, amidst well-organized security and integrated services, and meticulous implementation of field plans, pilgrims descended on Mina. More than 8,000 buses transported pilgrims to their camps from their accommodation in Makkah. Retracing the noble tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the pilgrims will spend throughout the day and night on the Tarwiyah Day, in Mina. The 5-6 day Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. On the first day of Hajj rituals, they are engaged in supplications and make final preparations for the Standing (wuqoof) at Arafat, the most important pillar of Hajj, marking the pinnacle of the annual pilgrimage, on Thursday. They immerse in supplications to God for their forgiveness and salvation. Pilgrims began arriving in Mina in the early hours of Wednesday. As the night wore on Tuesday, all roads and highways leading into the vast plains of Mina, located seven km northeast of the Grand Mosque, were filled with pilgrims, who made their way by vehicles or by foot to the world's largest tent city where they will camp overnight. The Saudi authorities and Hajj missions of various countries have completed elaborate preparations and foolproof arrangements that enabled the pilgrims to complete their smooth movement to the tent city of Mina. The pilgrims' movement has taken place smoothly, thanks to the vast arrangements made by the authorities. Saudi authorities have mobilized all their human and material resources to make the pilgrimage hassle-free and a great success. Artificial intelligence technology helped process the deluge of data, including video from a new fleet of drones, to better manage the massive crowds. Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and Head of the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, received those seeking religious fatwas at his residence in Mina on Wednesday. He directed the assignment of five eminent scholars to respond to the pilgrims' inquiries during the Hajj season. Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of the Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, urged pilgrims to frequently recite the Talbiyah from the time they enter in the state of ihram for Hajj until they begin stoning at Jamarat Al-Aqaba on the Day of Sacrifice, Dhul Hijjah 10. Sheikh Al-Sudais said that it is recommended to pray on time, shortening them without combining them, except for Maghrib and Fajr which should not be shortened. This year's Hajj takes place in sweltering temperatures that test the endurance of worshipers during the mostly outdoor rituals. Many pilgrims are seen carrying white umbrellas to protect themselves from the scorching sun. The Ministry of Health has issued a heat advisory for pilgrims in the wake of scorching surface temperatures, which pose a significant health risk. Following last year's lethal heat wave, authorities have mobilized more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials to improve protection. The Ministry of Health has given top priority for the prevention of heat-related illnesses. It urged pilgrims to use umbrellas, drink water regularly and wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. Pilgrims are also advised to avoid direct sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, refrain from walking on hot surfaces, and exercise caution when engaging in strenuous activities.
