The process of transferring Afghan pilgrims from Mecca to the holy sites for the performance of Hajj rituals has begun.

Monday, 8 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH, corresponding to 5 Jawza 1405 HS

With the arrival of the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah (the blessed Day of Tarwiyah), the process of transferring thirty thousand (30,000) pilgrims and instructors, along with three hundred (300) members of this year’s Hajj mission, from Mecca to the holy sites (Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah) for the performance of Hajj rituals officially commenced. This process is being carried out in accordance with the operational plan organized by the Ministry of MOHIA under the direct supervision and guidance of the Honorable Minister, Sheikh-ul-Hadith Dr. Noor Mohammad Saqib.

According to this operational plan, comprehensive and coordinated measures have been jointly adopted between the Afghan Hajj Mission, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, and the contracted service companies to ensure the orderly transportation of pilgrims to the holy sites, as well as their welfare and the provision of services.

In this regard, in addition to hundreds of employees from the contracted companies, one instructor has been assigned for every forty-five pilgrims to guide and assist them throughout the rituals. Furthermore, three hundred (300) members of the Ministry’s mission have been assigned within various committees, including transportation, dispatch and return, accommodation, catering, rituals guidance, missing persons and deaths, healthcare services, external relations, complaint handling, and other relevant committees. Under the direct supervision and leadership of the Ministry, these committees are carrying out their duties in an organized and effective manner.

Based on the plan arranged for transferring pilgrims to the holy sites, approximately thirty thousand Afghan pilgrims residing in twenty-nine (29) buildings in the central Mahbas Al-Jin area of Mecca were transported today to Mina through the contracted transportation company using modern and fully equipped buses.

For the accommodation of Afghan pilgrims in Mina, tents equipped with modern facilities and necessary amenities have been arranged. These camps provide water, electricity, air-conditioning systems, food services, healthcare, ambulances when needed, and other essential facilities in a complete and organized manner. These services are being provided by two contracted companies: Dhuyuf Al-Bait and Rawaf Mina.

This year, out of the total 30,300 Afghan pilgrims and mission members, 20,750 pilgrims are under the services of Dhuyuf Al-Bait through seven service centers, while another 9,550 pilgrims are receiving services through four service centers operated by Rawaf Mina.

After spending the 8th day and the night of the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah in Mina, the pilgrims will proceed according to the designated plan to the plain of Arafat, where on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah they will perform the greatest and most essential pillar of Hajj — the standing at Arafat.

Following sunset on the same day, the pilgrims, accompanied by instructors and mission members, will proceed to Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night of Eid al-Adha. On the day of Eid, they will then return from Muzdalifah to Mina to perform the stoning of Jamarat al-Aqabah (the symbolic stoning of the major devil).

After the stoning ritual, and according to the joint arrangements of the Ministry and the contracted companies, the sacrifice and thanksgiving offerings of the pilgrims will be carried out in the presence of instructors and representatives. Once the pilgrims are assured that the sacrifice has been completed, they will exit the state of Ihram.

Thereafter, they will continue performing the remaining rites of Hajj, including Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i, and will spend the remaining nights of Eid in Mina so that all Hajj rituals may be completed fully, systematically, and in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence.

The Ministry of MOHIA assures that full preparations have been made for every stage of the Hajj rituals, and that all responsible officials and committees continue their activities day and night in full coordination with the service companies to ensure the comfort and welfare of Afghan pilgrims.