The Hajj officially begins today, Friday, with the solemn ritual of wearing the Ihram upon crossing the outer boundaries of Makkah known as the Miqat.

The tranquil Mina valley is bracing for an influx of 2.5 million devout pilgrims from around the world, including 160,000 Pakistanis, who have converged to embark on this profound spiritual journey.

For nearly a month, faithful pilgrims have been gathering in Makkah in preparation for the Hajj. According to official reports, over 1.5 million pilgrims had already arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of the pilgrimage, with more expected to join the hundreds of thousands of local Saudis.

On the 7th and 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims will embark on their journey to the nearby valley of Mina, a distance of approximately 8.1 kilometers.

Millions of pilgrims performed the essential pre-Hajj ritual of circumambulating the Kaaba in Makkah today, marking the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

The pilgrims will now prepare to move to the valley of Mina, following in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The Hajj pilgrimage will culminate in the sacred celebration of Eid al-Adha.

On the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, known as Tarwiyah Day, the pilgrims will be immersed in prayer and reflection within the tranquil confines of Mina.

On the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims will embark on the pivotal part of their journey - the Hajj sermon to be delivered from Masjid al-Nimra on the plains of Arafat.

The 10th of Zilhaj, the Day of Sacrifice, witnesses pilgrims offering sacrifices.

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In the subsequent three days, the pilgrims will continue the ritual of Rami, casting seven pebbles on the first day and 21 on each subsequent day. The pilgrims will undertake the act of trimming or shaving their hair, symbolizing spiritual renewal and rebirth.

On the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage takes place as the pilgrims embark on a sacred journey to Makkah to fulfill the rites of Tawaf al-Ifadha and Sa’i between the hills of Safa and Marwah.