MAKKAH: The annual Hajj pilgrimage has officially begun, with millions of Muslims from across the globe making their way to Mina on Wednesday morning, marking the start of the sacred journey that spans the 8th to the 12th of Zil Hijjah.

Clad in white Ihram garments symbolizing purity and unity, the pilgrims begin their rites with prayers before heading to Mina, a tent city located just outside Makkah. Here, they will perform the Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers, spending the night in devotion and reflection.

On the morning of the 9th of Zil Hijjah, following the Fajr prayer, pilgrims will depart Mina for the plains of Arafat to perform Wuqoof-e-Arafah, the most significant ritual of Hajj. This spiritual gathering is the pinnacle of the pilgrimage, where worshippers stand in prayer, seeking forgiveness and divine mercy while listening to the Hajj sermon delivered from Masjid-e-Nimrah.

At sunset, the pilgrims will begin their journey to Muzdalifah, a sacred site where they will combine their Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night under the open sky. During their stay, they will collect pebbles needed for the ritual of Rami — the symbolic stoning of the devil.

The 10th of Zil Hijjah marks Eid ul-Adha and a major turning point in the pilgrimage. Pilgrims will carry out the first Rami by casting stones at the largest pillar symbolizing Satan, followed by the sacrifice of animals. Men will shave their heads and women will trim a portion of their hair as they exit the state of Ihram, signifying spiritual renewal.

Rituals continue on the 11th and 12th of Zil Hijjah, with the stoning of all three pillars — the small, medium, and large — representing resistance against evil. After completing these rites, pilgrims will return to Makkah for the Tawaf al-Ifadah — a circumambulation of the Kaaba — and perform Saii, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, as done by Hajar (AS), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

Those who choose to stay through the 13th of Zil Hijjah will perform one final stoning at Mina before concluding their Hajj.

Pakistani Pilgrims and Logistical Support

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, nearly 89,000 Pakistani pilgrims are participating in Hajj this year under the government scheme, with another 23,620 traveling via private tour operators.

To support their journey, 442 buses have been arranged by a Saudi government company, with an additional 510 buses provided by a private operator at the request of the Pakistan Hajj Mission.

Starting Thursday, pilgrims will cover a four-kilometer route to the Haram by foot through specially constructed tunnels. Pakistani pilgrims will also gain access to the Saudi shuttle service, improving transportation efficiency to the Grand Mosque for key rites.

As the spiritual journey unfolds, the unity of millions of worshippers in prayer and devotion underscores the profound meaning of Hajj — a reminder of humility, equality, and the pursuit of divine closeness.