Mina, Jun 04 (V7N) – The sacred rituals of Hajj 2025 officially began today with pilgrims arriving in Mina, known as the "City of Tents," to begin their spiritual journey. According to Arab News, the movement toward Mina commenced after the evening of Tuesday (7th Zilhaj), as per the Islamic calendar.

Situated about 9 kilometers from the Holy Mosque in Mecca, Mina is now teeming with pilgrims donning Ihram, reciting "Labbayek Allahumma Labbayek" in unison, creating a deeply spiritual ambiance.

Saudi authorities have reported that over 400,000 pilgrims have already settled in Mina. The valley echoes with the voices of lakhs of faithful Muslims preparing for the next stage of Hajj.

From Mina, pilgrims will proceed to Arafat on Thursday (June 5), where they will listen to the Hajj sermon — a pivotal part of the pilgrimage. The presence at Arafat is considered the essence of Hajj, without which the pilgrimage is incomplete.

This year, nearly 1.5 million Muslims from across the world are participating in Hajj. The Saudi government has deployed extensive measures to ensure security, transportation, and health services to enable pilgrims to perform their rites safely and comfortably.

The Presidency of Religious Affairs of Saudi Arabia earlier announced that Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid, a prominent Islamic scholar, will deliver the Hajj sermon on the Day of Arafat (9th Zilhaj), following a royal decree from King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The main Hajj rituals will continue until the 13th of Zilhaj, during which pilgrims will carry out a series of religious rites including standing at Arafat, overnight stays in Muzdalifah and Mina, stoning the Jamarat, and Qurbani (sacrifice).

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