Hajj Begins Today as Millions of Pilgrims Arrive in Mina

The sacred pilgrimage of Hajj has officially begun today as millions of Muslims from across the world have arrived in Mina, Saudi Arabia. This marks the start of one of the most significant religious gatherings in the Islamic calendar and a deeply spiritual journey for every pilgrim.

Hajj 2025 is expected to see record participation post-COVID recovery, with over 2.5 million pilgrims making their way to the holy cities of Makkah, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and back to Makkah for the final rituals.

• Millions of pilgrims begin the Hajj journey in Mina today

• Over 2.5 million Muslims from 180+ countries have arrived

• Hajj rituals to continue over the next five days

• Saudi government deploys thousands of personnel for support

• Massive health and safety infrastructure in place

• Special heat-prevention measures for extreme summer conditions

• Technology and mobile apps aiding pilgrims in real time

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a mandatory religious duty for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime. It takes place in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

• Pilgrims began their journey from Makkah to Mina today after performing Umrah and donning the Ihram, a simple white cloth that symbolizes purity and equality.

• Mina, located about 8 kilometers from the Holy Kaaba, is known as the City of Tents due to the tens of thousands of air-conditioned tents set up to accommodate pilgrims.

“The sight of so many Muslims from different parts of the world, all chanting the Talbiyah in unison, is truly breathtaking,” said a pilgrim from Malaysia.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has taken unprecedented steps to ensure:

Health Measures

• 25+ hospitals and clinics across Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah

• Thousands of doctors, nurses, and first responders are on duty

• Emergency hotlines and mobile health units are on standby

Heat Protection

• Free water bottles and Zamzam distribution points

• Shaded walkways and misting stations

• Awareness campaigns on hydration and heatstroke prevention

Smart Technology

• Hajj smart cards for identification and tracking

• Mobile apps offering real-time updates, maps, and prayer times

• AI-assisted crowd control and monitoring systems

“We are using drones and surveillance tools to ensure safety without compromising the sacredness of the journey,” said a Saudi official.

This year’s Hajj sees pilgrims from over 180 countries, including:

• Indonesia's Largest delegation with over 220,000 pilgrims

• Pakistan: Over 180,000 pilgrims via government and private schemes

• Turkey,  Malaysia, Bangladesh,  Egypt: Large groups of over 100,000

• Significant participation from Europe, Africa, and the Americas

• The Ministry of Religious Affairs facilitated over 180,000 Pakistani pilgrims.

• Pakistani medical teams, support staff, and Muavineen are assisting travelers in Mina and beyond.

• Pakistani Hajj app provides location sharing, emergency alerts, and guidance in Urdu.

Hajj 2025 has officially begun, bringing together Muslims from every corner of the world in a beautiful celebration of faith, unity, and devotion. As pilgrims spend the coming days reflecting, repenting, and praying, their journey serves as a reminder of the timeless values of Islam — humility, equality, and unwavering trust in Allah.