Thousands of pilgrims began their slow and steady walk to the city of Mina on Saturday night, starting the five-day journey. By Sunday afternoon, the pilgrims will be in their tents. Here they will spend the day in meditation and then move to the plains of Arafat on Monday for the most important rites of Hajj. The day of Arafah is an important day for the Muslims.
In Makkah, pilgrims packed into the hundreds of buses and head to Mina. Some of them who are able, walked the distance.
The preparation and logistics for the pilgrims are all set in place. In addition to the numerous transport systems, the new Mashair Railway will start it maiden journey. The railway is expected to reduce the congestion on the roads of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Thousands of eateries have been set up to help the hungry pilgrims. Bakeries are prepared to bake 10 million loaves a day! Several health centers have also been set up to serve the pilgrims. Hundred Civil Defense teams and paramedics are available in case of any emergency. The set up is also equipped with 200 motobikes.
All these preparations will help the guests this year to have a pleasant experience. The weather, too, is not too hot. The moderate temperature is an added blessing to the pilgrims.
The Civil Defense has also made arrangements in the event of rain and flash floods. “We’ve made special plans based on detailed studies analyzing the possible dangers that could be caused by the geography of Mina, which is surrounded by mountains on all sides,” said Brig. Gen. Fhaid Al-Faidi, head of the Civil Defense in Mina.
The issue of pollution is also looked into. A special team equipped with devices, is set up to monitor the pollution level at Mina’s 12 tunnels. Tunnels will be closed if the air quality is found to be not suitable.
Al-Faidi called on pilgrims to follow instructions and said the Civil Defense is working closely with Tawafa establishments. “We’re receiving constant weather forecasts about rain. We’ve also got a note of key areas where rain could cause serious issues. There’s also a team of divers at our disposal, along with boats and other flood-related rescue equipment — these are located in the north side of Mina where flooding could be a problem if it rains,” he said.
Traffic moved fast down the highway from Jeddah. The four checkpoints on the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway are fully manned but caused no delay. In Mina, traffic congestion is being kept to a minimum by keeping small vehicles away.
Arab News report said “If spirituality and peace could ever be personified then it is here — the tent city in Mina surrounded by Jabal Al-Noor (Mountain of Light) and other hills, an abode of millions of pilgrims who are all set to sacrifice their self to the will of God”.
The valley of Mina is filled with the chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (O God, here I am answering your call). A surreal moment for the pilgrims! Pilgrims at Mina, in the fireproof tent, will be either resting after a long tiring journey from Jeddah and Makkah (about 5 hours) or be busy with prayers or reading Quran never wanting to lose the precious moments.
On Monday morning, the pilgrims will move toward Mount Arafat where the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) delivered his last sermon more than 14 centuries ago. They will spend the night at Muzdalifah and then return to Mina. They will throw stones at Jamrat Al-Aqaba representing the devil and sacrifice animals to mark the Eid Al-Adha, which starts Tuesday and will spend the final two days in Mina to take part in the symbolic stoning of the devil.
In Makkah, pilgrims packed into the hundreds of buses and head to Mina. Some of them who are able, walked the distance.
The preparation and logistics for the pilgrims are all set in place. In addition to the numerous transport systems, the new Mashair Railway will start it maiden journey. The railway is expected to reduce the congestion on the roads of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Thousands of eateries have been set up to help the hungry pilgrims. Bakeries are prepared to bake 10 million loaves a day! Several health centers have also been set up to serve the pilgrims. Hundred Civil Defense teams and paramedics are available in case of any emergency. The set up is also equipped with 200 motobikes.
All these preparations will help the guests this year to have a pleasant experience. The weather, too, is not too hot. The moderate temperature is an added blessing to the pilgrims.
The Civil Defense has also made arrangements in the event of rain and flash floods. “We’ve made special plans based on detailed studies analyzing the possible dangers that could be caused by the geography of Mina, which is surrounded by mountains on all sides,” said Brig. Gen. Fhaid Al-Faidi, head of the Civil Defense in Mina.
The issue of pollution is also looked into. A special team equipped with devices, is set up to monitor the pollution level at Mina’s 12 tunnels. Tunnels will be closed if the air quality is found to be not suitable.
Al-Faidi called on pilgrims to follow instructions and said the Civil Defense is working closely with Tawafa establishments. “We’re receiving constant weather forecasts about rain. We’ve also got a note of key areas where rain could cause serious issues. There’s also a team of divers at our disposal, along with boats and other flood-related rescue equipment — these are located in the north side of Mina where flooding could be a problem if it rains,” he said.
Traffic moved fast down the highway from Jeddah. The four checkpoints on the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway are fully manned but caused no delay. In Mina, traffic congestion is being kept to a minimum by keeping small vehicles away.
Arab News report said “If spirituality and peace could ever be personified then it is here — the tent city in Mina surrounded by Jabal Al-Noor (Mountain of Light) and other hills, an abode of millions of pilgrims who are all set to sacrifice their self to the will of God”.
The valley of Mina is filled with the chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (O God, here I am answering your call). A surreal moment for the pilgrims! Pilgrims at Mina, in the fireproof tent, will be either resting after a long tiring journey from Jeddah and Makkah (about 5 hours) or be busy with prayers or reading Quran never wanting to lose the precious moments.
On Monday morning, the pilgrims will move toward Mount Arafat where the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) delivered his last sermon more than 14 centuries ago. They will spend the night at Muzdalifah and then return to Mina. They will throw stones at Jamrat Al-Aqaba representing the devil and sacrifice animals to mark the Eid Al-Adha, which starts Tuesday and will spend the final two days in Mina to take part in the symbolic stoning of the devil.
