Holy Hajj begins today

Muslims from around the world began observing the main rituals of the annual Hajj pilgrimage as millions of pilgrims gathered at the plain of Arafat amid chants of “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk” (Here I am, O Allah, here I am)on Tuesday.

The pilgrims spent Monday, the 8th of Zilhajj, in the tent city of Mina engaged in prayers and worship before departing for Arafat after Fajr prayers on Tuesday, the 9th of Zilhajj — the most significant day of Hajj.

Saudi authorities deployed nearly 24,000 buses along with train services to facilitate the movement of pilgrims between the holy sites.

The main Hajj sermon is being delivered from Masjid Namirah in Arafat by Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi, Imam and Khateeb of Masjid al-Haram. The sermon is being translated live into 35 languages, including Bangla, for Muslims worldwide.

Following the sermon, pilgrims will offer Zuhr and Asr prayers together with one Azan and two Iqamahs before remaining in Arafat until sunset in prayer and supplication, seeking forgiveness from Allah.

After sunset, pilgrims will travel to Muzdalifah without performing Maghrib prayers en route. There, they will combine Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night under the open sky while collecting pebbles for the symbolic stoning ritual in Mina.

The 10th of Zilhajj, pilgrims will return to Mina to perform the symbolic stoning of the largest pillar representing Satan, followed by animal sacrifice, head shaving or hair trimming, and Tawaf al-Ziyarah at the Holy Kaaba on Wednesday.

Pilgrims will continue the stoning rituals over the following days before concluding the pilgrimage with the farewell Tawaf.

Saudi Arabia recorded temperatures averaging 42 degrees Celsius on Monday, prompting heightened safety measures. More than 40 government agencies and around 250,000 personnel have been deployed to assist pilgrims and manage health risks during the extreme heat.

Authorities have also introduced artificial intelligence-powered drone surveillance and large-scale data analysis systems to improve Hajj management this year.

More than 78,000 pilgrims from Bangladesh have joined the Hajj under government and private arrangements, with dedicated accommodation, medical support and oversight by the Bangladesh Hajj Mission.