More than a million pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj

Saudi Arabia has welcomed more than a million pilgrims for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

"The total number of pilgrims arriving from outside the kingdom via international ports until the end of yesterday, Sunday, exceeded one million and 70,000 pilgrims," Minister of Media Salman Al Dosari told a press conference in Riyadh on Monday.

Speaking at the conference, the kingdom's Health Minister, Fahad Al Jalajel, said the condition of pilgrims was "reassuring" and added that "no cases of epidemics that could affect public health have been detected so far".

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court on Sunday called on Muslims in the kingdom to watch for the appearance of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening that would signal the start of the month of Dhu Al Hijja, during which Hajj takes place.

Tuesday is the 29th day of Dhu Al Qadah and if the crescent moon is sighted that day, the month of Dhu Al Hijja will start on Wednesday, May 28. In this case, the first day of Eid Al Adha will take place on Friday, June 6.

If the crescent moon is not sighted on Tuesday evening, Dhu Al Hijja will start on Thursday and the first day of Eid will be on Saturday, June 7.

The court urged anyone who spots the crescent moon with the naked eye or through binoculars to promptly report to the nearest court and submit their testimony.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be undertaken by all Muslims who have the means to do so at least once in their lives. It is one of the world's largest religious gatherings.

Crackdown on violations

The kingdom had announced a range of penalties for people breaching regulations during the event, one of the largest mass gatherings in the world.

Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry said on Monday that security troops arrested five residents and nine citizens for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 44 people without Hajj permits.

The ministry said that seasonal administrative committees issued decisions against the transporters, their accomplices and the unauthorised pilgrims, SPA reported.

Penalties included imprisonment, fines of up to 100,000 riyals ($26,666), public naming of the violators and deportation of resident offenders with a 10-year re-entry ban to Saudi Arabia after serving their sentences, the ministry said.

Muslim pilgrims gather at the top of Mount Arafat. AP

The ministry also initiated judicial measures to confiscate the vehicles used in the offences and imposed a fine of up to 20,000 riyals on visitors who attempt to perform Hajj without a permit.

The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure a safe and secure Hajj for all.

Preparations in full swing

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has announced the readiness of the Mataf (circumambulation area) to receive pilgrims during this year's Hajj season, SPA reported.

A woman prays near the Kaaba in Makkah. EPA

The authority confirmed that the Mataf area is now equipped to accommodate up to 107,000 circumambulatory per hour across several levels, including the ground floor, first floor, first mezzanine, second mezzanine and rooftop.

The total worshipper capacity across all levels has reached 203,000. It further noted that the entire Mataf area has been dedicated exclusively for circumambulation, with several primary and secondary entrances allocated to enable access.

Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid has been appointed preacher at this year's Hajj on the Day of Arafah (the ninth day of Dhul Hijja), the Presidency of Religious Affairs announced.

Mount Arafat is a granite hill about 20km from the Kaaba. Ascending it is the most important rite in the annual pilgrimage of Hajj for millions of Muslims.

The Day of Arafah takes place on the second day of Hajj, when pilgrims make their way to Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon.

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