Mina, Saudi Arabia – June 4, 2025: The annual five-day pilgrimage of Hajj has officially commenced, as millions of Muslims from around the world converge on the holy city of Mecca to take part in one of the most significant spiritual journeys in Islam.
Early this morning, pilgrims began their journey from Mecca to Mina, the first step in a sacred route that follows in the footsteps of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him). As is tradition, the sprawling tent city of Mina, just a few kilometers outside Mecca, becomes the temporary home for the pilgrims — offering shelter, rest, and community as they prepare for the deeply symbolic and physically demanding rituals ahead.
Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is mandatory once in a lifetime for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it. It is a journey not only of distance but of spiritual renewal, humility, and equality, as people from every race, nationality, and social class stand side by side, dressed in simple white garments known as ihram.
Over the course of five days, pilgrims will perform a series of rituals including:
- Spending the night in Mina
- Standing in prayer at the Plain of Arafat
- Collecting pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil in Muzdalifah
- The Tawaf (circling) of the Kaaba
- The ritual animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha
Each rite carries deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing submission to God, the rejection of sin, and the renewal of faith.
As one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, Hajj represents the unity of the Muslim Ummah (global community). In 2025, the event sees participation from nearly every continent — with pilgrims traveling from the far reaches of Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, the United States, and beyond.
Saudi authorities have implemented extensive logistical, medical, and safety preparations to accommodate and protect the millions of attendees, with modern facilities and tech-driven support systems to assist the pilgrims throughout their journey.
More than a physical trek, Hajj is viewed as a journey of the soul. It’s a time for repentance, prayer, and deep introspection. Pilgrims often describe it as a life-changing experience — one that strips away worldly distractions and connects them with their faith in a profound and personal way.
As the tent city of Mina fills and the rituals begin, the eyes of the Muslim world turn toward Mecca in reflection, reverence, and solidarity.
