Makkah, May 25 (V7N)- The holy Hajj has entered its most significant phase as millions of pilgrims moved from Mina to the plains of Arafah on Tuesday after spending the night in the tent city.
Pilgrims from around the world began their journey to Arafah through special buses and train services arranged by the Saudi authorities. The gathering at Arafah, known as the core ritual of Hajj, is considered the most important pillar of the pilgrimage.
The Hajj sermon will be delivered today at the Arafah plain by Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi, Imam and Khatib of the Grand Mosque. Saudi authorities said the sermon will be translated into 35 languages to reach pilgrims from different parts of the world.
After offering the combined Zuhr and Asr prayers at Arafah, pilgrims will leave for Muzdalifah after sunset, where they will spend the night under the open sky according to Islamic tradition.
On Wednesday, the 10th of Zilhaj, pilgrims will proceed to Mina to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat before offering sacrificial animals in observance of Eid-ul-Azha.
Saudi authorities have deployed extensive transportation and security arrangements for the pilgrimage this year, including around 24,000 buses dedicated to transporting pilgrims between the holy sites.
Officials estimate that nearly two million Muslims from around the world are participating in this year’s Hajj, making it one of the largest gatherings in recent years.
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