Makkah, May 24 (V7N) – The formal rituals of the holy Hajj are set to begin on Monday (May 25), as pilgrims from around the world complete last-minute preparations and move toward the sacred sites in Saudi Arabia.
On Sunday (May 24) night after Isha prayers, pilgrims will begin their journey to Mina, known as the “city of tents,” after entering the state of Ihram. They will spend the night there and perform five daily prayers from Fajr to Isha on the 8th of Zilhaj.
On Tuesday (May 26), corresponding to the 9th of Zilhaj, pilgrims will travel to the plains of Arafat, where the most significant ritual of Hajj—the sermon of Arafat—will take place.
The sermon this year is expected to be delivered by Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi, Imam and Khatib of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Following the sermon, pilgrims will perform combined Zuhr and Asr prayers at Arafat.
After sunset, pilgrims will move to Muzdalifah for an overnight stay before proceeding on Wednesday (May 27) to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat in Mina. The ritual will be followed by animal sacrifice as part of Eid-ul-Azha observances.
Authorities estimate that between 1.5 million and 1.8 million pilgrims from across the world will take part in this year’s Hajj.
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