As the annual Hajj pilgrimage reaches its final stages, throngs of devotees have arrived at the holy site of Muzdalifah, completing a crucial phase of their spiritual journey. Despite the scorching weather, pilgrims from across the globe have reported a smooth and well-organized experience, expressing gratitude and pride in the arrangements made by the Saudi authorities.
After spending the day in Arafat, performing prayers and supplications, the pilgrims made their way to Muzdalifah, where they undertook the rituals of Maghrib and Isha prayers, as well as collecting pebbles for the upcoming stoning of the Jamarat. Under the open sky, the pilgrims took the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate themselves in preparation for the final leg of their pilgrimage.
“It’s a very nice and very spiritual feeling. I’m enjoying the vibes here. The people here are very calm. It’s a very peaceful atmosphere,” remarked Hisham Thamin, an Indian pilgrim residing in Qatar.
Thamin, who was initially concerned about the arrangements due to the heat and large numbers of people, was pleasantly surprised by the coordination and organization displayed by the Saudi government.
Nawaf Alhabib, a Saudi pilgrim, echoed Thamin’s sentiments, describing his experience as “perfect.” Alhabib plans to walk to Mina on Sunday morning before the Fajr prayer, and he looks forward to completing the Jamarat ritual and experiencing a “beautiful day.”
Tawfeeq Alquraishi, another Saudi pilgrim, expressed his pride in the developments and initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom to ensure a smooth Hajj experience for the devotees.
“The services provided to ensure a smooth Hajj experience for pilgrims is something I am so proud of as a Saudi national. This is a successful and comfortable Hajj,”
He stated.
Waleed Mohammed, a pilgrim from Egypt, was grateful, describing the experience as one that cannot be put into words. “This is an experience everyone dreams of … everyone is happy, and the organization is beyond our expectations,” he shared.
As the Hajj pilgrimage progresses, the devotees continue to be inspired by the spiritual significance of their journey while expressing their satisfaction with the meticulous planning and execution by the Saudi authorities. The seamless experience has reinforced the Kingdom’s commitment to providing the best possible conditions for the millions of pilgrims who journey to the holy sites each year.