The spiritual atmosphere in the holy land of Saudi Arabia has reached a peak of reverence and devotion as Hajj 2025 officially begins today, with millions of pilgrims from around the world arriving in Mina. Among them are thousands of pilgrims from Pakistan, who, like their global brothers and sisters in Islam, have come to fulfill one of the five pillars of their faith.

From the elderly walking slowly with canes to the youth full of energy and anticipation, the roads and camps of Mina are alive with the unity of Ummah, all dressed in Ihram, the simple white garments symbolizing purity and equality before Allah.

The Journey to Mina: Humility in White

On the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, known as Yawm at-Tarwiyah, the Hajj formally begins. Pilgrims enter the sacred state of Ihram—a physical and spiritual state of cleanliness and humility. Dressed in these white garments, pilgrims offer two rakats of prayer and embark on their journey toward Mina, a valley situated about 8 kilometers east of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.

In Mina, pilgrims will spend the day and night in tents, praying the Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr prayers, engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and mentally preparing themselves for the main ritual of Hajj, which will occur the following day in Arafat.

The calm yet powerful sense of purpose in Mina is unparalleled. It’s a time for reflection, humility, and unity—regardless of race, nationality, or social class. Everyone stands equal before the Creator.

The Day of Arafat: The Heart of Hajj

On the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the pilgrims will proceed to the plains of Arafat, where they will observe Waqoof-e-Arafat—the standing at Arafat, which is considered the most significant component of Hajj. Without this, the Hajj is incomplete.

Here, pilgrims will stand in prayer and supplication from noon until sunset, pleading for mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. It is said that on this day, Allah’s mercy descends in abundance, and sins are forgiven like the day a person was born.

A Khutbah (sermon) will be delivered from Masjid Namirah in Arafat, a moment broadcast to the world and deeply awaited by Muslims globally. Pilgrims will offer combined Zuhr and Asr prayers, standing in humility, tears flowing, hands raised, and hearts filled with hope.

Muzdalifah: Under the Open Sky

After sunset in Arafat, pilgrims will travel to Muzdalifah, another sacred site, without praying Maghrib. Upon arrival, they will combine Maghrib and Isha prayers and collect pebbles that will later be used in the ritual of Rami (stoning the Jamaraat).

What makes Muzdalifah truly unique is that pilgrims sleep under the open sky with nothing but stars above them. It’s a night of both physical endurance and spiritual closeness to Allah. Resting here also serves a practical purpose—pilgrims must recharge for the important rituals that await them the next day.

The Day of Sacrifice: Rami, Qurbani, and Tawaf

On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, known as Yawm al-Nahr (the Day of Sacrifice) and also Eid al-Adha, pilgrims return to Mina to perform the Rami—throwing seven pebbles at the largest of the three pillars, which represents Satan. This act commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) rejection of the devil’s temptation to disobey Allah.

After Rami, pilgrims perform Qurbani (sacrifice of an animal), following the tradition of Ibrahim (AS), who was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. Instead, Allah replaced the child with a ram—a story that has been symbolically reenacted by Muslims for centuries.

Men then shave their heads or trim their hair, while women cut a small portion of their hair—symbolizing renewal and humility. This act marks the exit from the state of Ihram, and pilgrims can resume many of the regular practices that were previously restricted.

Tawaf and Sa’i: Completing the Pillars

After completing the rituals in Mina, pilgrims will travel back to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ziyarah—circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. They will also perform Sa’i, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, retracing the footsteps of Hajar (RA), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), in her desperate search for water for her infant son, Ismail (AS).

The days following continue with additional Rami rituals, and pilgrims may remain in Mina until the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah, completing their Hajj journey with devotion and gratitude.

A Spiritual Experience That Transforms Lives

Hajj is not just a series of physical rituals—it is a journey of the soul, heart, and mind. It tests patience, builds brotherhood, encourages humility, and reconnects believers with their Creator in a deeply profound way.

For many, this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage is the culmination of years of savings, prayer, and anticipation. It’s a moment when Muslims from all walks of life leave behind worldly concerns to stand as equals before Allah.

Final Reflections

As millions of Muslims begin their sacred journey today, the global Muslim community watches with reverence and awe. The scenes from Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah are not only awe-inspiring but serve as powerful reminders of faith, submission, and unity.

In a world often divided by politics, race, and inequality, Hajj brings people together in harmony, reminding us that in the eyes of Allah, it is righteousness—not status—that defines us.

For those not performing Hajj this year, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are also considered incredibly blessed, and a time for increased worship, charity, fasting, and reflection.

May Allah accept the Hajj of all pilgrims, grant them ease, and bless the entire Ummah with peace, guidance, and unity.