As millions of Muslims across the world turn their hearts toward the sacred journey of Hajj, the main rites of Hajj 1447 are now officially underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Hujjaj (pilgrims) are currently making their way from Makkah to Mina as the 8th of Dhul Hijjah begins, marking the start of the core Hajj rituals and the transition into one of the most significant phases of the pilgrimage.
Speaking to VOC News, Moulana Dilavar Baba, who is currently in the holy lands with pilgrims, said the movement into Mina has been progressing steadily, with most South African pilgrims already settled in.
“The hujaaj (pilgrims) are very, very excited. A lot of them are very anxious, you know, into a space that you are basically unaware of. You’ve heard of it, you’ve seen it, you’ve heard previous hujaaj (pilgrims) speak about its story,” he said.
He added that conditions and facilities in Mina have been well received by pilgrims this year.
“The camps look amazing, the bathroom setups are super amazing, the beds and everything, SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah). It’s really something completely different. So I think a lot of the hujaaj (pilgrims) are very settled. They’ve probably been made scared previously of how it used to look over here, but now, MashaAllah (as Allah has willed), I think many of the hujaaj (pilgrims) are so excited and very content. A lot of them will be taking a rest now, Alhamdulillah (all praise is due to Allah), but definitely the spirits are high,” he said.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: @theholymosques/x
