More than 1.5 million pilgrims have started their journey to Mount Arafat for the most significant part of Hajj, after spending the night in Mina for the Day of Tarwiyah. This marks the beginning of their pilgrimage rituals on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is mandatory for every capable Muslim, meaning those who have the physical and financial ability.

Instituted during the era of Prophet Abraham and his son Ismaeel, pilgrims perform Hajj in Dhul-Hijjah, culminating in the pause at Arafat on the ninth day and the sacrifice of camels and goats on the tenth day.

- Rituals of Hajj -

Tawaf al-Qudum: Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, covering a distance of 8.5 kilometers. While the Maliki school considers it obligatory, others view it as a confirmed Sunnah.

Sa'i between Safa and Marwa: This ritual involves walking 3,045 meters, commemorating Hagar’s search for water. Men jog between markers, following the Prophet’s tradition, while women walk.

Journey to Mina: Pilgrims travel 7 to 9 kilometers from Mecca to Mina, chanting "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik." They are advised to reach Mina before noon to pray and spend the night.

From Mina to Arafat: Covering 12 to 14 kilometers, pilgrims reach Mount Arafat, the site of the major Hajj ritual. After sunset, they move to Muzdalifah, praying and spending the night.

Going to Muzdalifah: Pilgrims travel 5 to 7 kilometers from Arafat to Muzdalifah, perform prayers, and collect pebbles for the stoning ritual.

Stoning at Jamarat al-Aqaba: Pilgrims walk 8 kilometers from Muzdalifah to Mina to perform the stoning ritual, then proceed to Mecca for Tawaf al-Ifadah.

Tawaf Al-Ifadah: On the return to Mecca, pilgrims walk 7 kilometers to perform the Tawaf al-Ifadah, sacrifice an animal, and cut their hair.

Tashreeq and Stoning the Jamarat: Over the three days of Tashreeq, pilgrims walk 4 kilometers daily to stone the Jamarat, completing the Hajj rituals with the farewell Tawaf in Mecca.