MINA, Saudi Arabia: Pilgrims arrived in Mina on Wednesday, the 8th of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH, to observe the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the formal start of Hajj rituals for the year 2025.
Approximately 64 percent of pilgrims are spending the day in Mina, while the remaining 36 percent will proceed directly to Arafat for the central rite of Hajj, before returning to Mina via Muzdalifah for the days of Tashreeq, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Located roughly seven kilometres northeast of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Mina holds significant religious and historical value.
It was here that Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) stoned the devil and offered his son Ismail in sacrifice, a tradition reaffirmed by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his Farewell Pilgrimage.
Mina houses key landmarks such as the three Jamarat pillars and Masjid Al-Kheef, a mosque where multiple prophets are believed to have prayed.
The site also holds political significance, as it was the location of the first and second Pledges of Aqabah, where early Muslim converts from Yathrib (now Madinah) pledged allegiance to the Prophet.
Recognizing the logistical and spiritual importance of Mina, Saudi authorities have expanded infrastructure and service provisions. Security, health, food, and transportation systems have been fully activated to support the influx of pilgrims.
Government agencies emphasized their commitment to ensuring a safe and serene environment, enabling pilgrims to fulfil their rites in peace.
The Saudi government’s preparations for Hajj 1446 reflect its dedication to hosting millions of pilgrims annually, with a focus on efficiency, safety, and spiritual enrichment.
Full operational readiness
Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Hady and Adahi Project has announced full operational readiness for the Hajj season.
This year, millions of pilgrims will benefit from a combination of Sharia-compliant procedures, advanced technologies and organizational expertise, APP reported.
Additionally, sacrificial meat will be distributed across 27 countries worldwide.
According to a spokesperson for the Adahi Project, preparations have been finalised at seven designated centres, collectively covering an area exceeding 1 million square meters, APP reported.
The system has been designed to facilitate the slaughter of over one million animals within just 84 hours. More than 25,000 professionals will participate in the process, including over 600 Sharia scholars, 500+ veterinary doctors, 16,500 butchers and support staff, and 400 technical experts.
The spokesperson further stated that this year’s operations incorporate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence-based counting systems, automated weighing machines, comprehensive meat monitoring systems, and real-time refrigerator tracking.
The speed of operations has reached an impressive rate of one animal every seven seconds. So far, over 770,000 animals have been received, surpassing the original target of 750,000.
During Hajj, meat will be distributed within the Makkah region to support official Hajj missions, charitable organizations, and pilgrims.
After Hajj, distribution will extend throughout the Kingdom, especially in areas surrounding the Two Holy Mosques, and internationally across 27 countries.
This year’s project also features strategic partnerships with several public and private entities, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s “Nusuk” platform, Saudia Airlines, Sirab Holding, OneCard, and the “Jahez” app.
Pilgrims have also been provided with online sacrifice services available in three languages, ensuring Muslims worldwide can fulfil this religious duty safely and conveniently.
According to Adahi officials, the project’s mission extends beyond religious facilitation to promoting global food security, humanitarian efforts, and the spirit of Islamic solidarity.
