MINA: More than 850,000 pilgrims performed the Tawaf Al-Ifadah by Sunday evening in Makkah, a ritual marking the final days of the Hajj and the start of Eid al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world.
The long day began with masses of pilgrims embarking on the symbolic stoning of the devil in Muzdalifah under the scorching summer heat. Stoning is among the final rites of the Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
It came a day after more than 1.8 million pilgrims converged on the holy hill, known as Mount Arafat, outside the holy city of Mecca, which Muslim pilgrims visit to perform the annual five-day Hajj rituals. Tawaf al-Ifadah is performed by the Hajj after returning from Mina.
At a press conference on Sunday evening, Colonel Talal bin Abdulmohsen Al-Shalhoub, a spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Interior, said all the pilgrims had returned safely to their tents in Mina after leaving Muzdalifah.
He emphasized that the security forces are continuing their operations to ensure the safety and security of the guests of Allah during their stay in Mina, including their rituals at the Jamarat Bridge and within the Grand Mosque. “These services include crowd control and management on all routes connecting their accommodation in tents, the bridge and the Grand Mosque, as well as during their Tawaf. I invite all guests to strictly adhere to the instructions that regulate their ritual performances,” he said.
Pilgrims throw stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, one of the last rites of the Hajj, at the Jamarat in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, June 16, 2024. (SPA)
The spokesman also advised pilgrims not to carry personal belongings when going to the Jamarat Bridge or the Holy Mosque.
“Furthermore, I call on those who intend to leave Mina on the second day of Tashreek to follow the above guidelines,” he added.
The days of Tashriq are the three days following the 10th of Zul-Hijjah, Eid al-Adha, and are known for the ritual stoning of the three pillars in Mina, which symbolizes the rejection of temptation and evil.
However, it is permissible for pilgrims to leave Makkah before sunset on the 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. Al-Shalhoub further reported that the Makkah Region 911 center received a total of 78,872 calls on 10 Tul Hijjat, covering security reports and service inquiries, which were promptly resolved.
He pointed out that the Saudi leadership closely monitors all security sectors, noting the continuous improvement of their performance every year. “Our security personnel serve as exemplary role models in fulfilling their duties and facilitating the Hajj journey for pilgrims,” he concluded.
For his part, Aiedh Al-Ghuwainem, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj Affairs, said that organizational plans and efforts have been implemented in accordance with all participating Hajj agencies.
“The stoning process took place safely and peacefully within just ten hours, achieving a 95 percent compliance rate with the guidelines,” he said.
He further added that the plans are designed to accommodate the different legal preferences of the pilgrims using modern technology and pre-planned schedules for grouping the pilgrims. Al-Ghuwainem stated that more than 800,000 pilgrims arrived in Mina before dawn on Sunday, and by 8 am, all the pilgrims had reached Mina.
Upon arrival at the Jamarat Bridge, about 70 percent of the pilgrims used the first and fourth floors, while the rest passed through the second and third floors, the deputy minister said.
“Furthermore, more than 850,000 worshipers have so far performed the Tawaf of Ifad from midnight using shuttle buses to and from the Grand Mosque,” he said.
The deputy minister added that the challenge they faced together with the authorities is that most pilgrims prefer to go on foot, despite all awareness campaigns and the availability of all means of transport. He also urged the pilgrims to follow the instructions.