Hajj Rituals Begin: Pilgrims Arrive in Mina Ahead of Wuquf-e-Arafat Amid Extreme Heat

The annual Hajj pilgrimage has officially commenced as thousands of pilgrims began arriving in Mina, the world’s largest tent city, ahead of the key rituals of Hajj 2026. The movement of Hajj pilgrims to Mina is expected to continue throughout the day as Saudi authorities implement extensive arrangements to ensure safety and comfort during the pilgrimage season.

On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah pilgrims will stay overnight in Mina before they perform Wuquf-e-Arafat as the most important pillar of Hajj in the city of Arafat. Each year during the pilgrimage, millions of Muslims from all over the world come together to pray and seek forgiveness on Mount Arafat.

Saudi meteorological officials have warned of very high temperatures in Mina and Arafat, with nearly 45 degrees Celsius in Arafat on the Day of Arafah. Saudi authorities have widened shaded walkways and deployed more mist fans and reinforced medical and emergency infrastructure throughout the holy sites, due to the high temperatures.

Saudi Arabia has also stationed thousands of security personnel, healthcare workers and volunteers during the Hajj to regulate the movement of people and assist pilgrims along the way. The police has issued warnings for the pilgrims to drink plenty of water, avoid direct sunlight at peak times, and obey the authorities’ safety guidelines.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and it is mandatory for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of making the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. For millions of Muslims, the spiritual occasion at Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah is a symbol of unity, devotion and faith.

Saudi security forces this year are intensifying preparations in the areas of pilgrim safety, heat management, transportation and health services in preparation for one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the world.