Saudi Arabia has officially declared that the Hajj pilgrimage will commence on June 14, marking the beginning of the sacred month of Dhu al-Hijjah. The Supreme Court confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon on Thursday evening, signalling the start of this significant period in the Islamic calendar. The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced that Dhu al-Hijjah will begin on Friday, with Hajj starting on June 14, followed by Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha celebrations on June 15 and June 16 respectively.

Importance of Moon Sighting

The Supreme Court urged Muslims in the kingdom to participate in the moon sighting, emphasising the importance of this annual ritual. A dedicated committee was appointed to ensure the accurate observation of the crescent moon at sunset, a tradition that holds great significance in determining the Islamic lunar calendar.

Religious Significance of Dhu al-Hijjah

The entire month of Dhu al-Hijjah holds immense religious significance for Muslims, with various days considered holy and integral to the Islamic faith. This announcement sets the stage for devout pilgrims to prepare for the upcoming Hajj journey with reverence and devotion.

The Sacred Journey of Hajj

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred pilgrimage that all Muslims with the means must undertake at least once in their lifetime. This religious journey spans over four days in Mecca and its surroundings in Saudi Arabia. A significant moment occurs on the second day as pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for prayers, where Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon. This year, the pinnacle of the Hajj falls on June 15, followed by the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha on June 16.

Economic Impact of Hajj

Saudi Arabia, home to the holiest Islamic shrines in Mecca and Medina, generates substantial revenue from the annual Hajj and the Umrah pilgrimages throughout the year. More than 1.2 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj, which begins on June 14, as authorities warned of temperatures exceeding 44ºC.

Extensive Preparations for Hajj

The Hajj Projects Office has coordinated with more than 50 state agencies to complete 300 initiatives in 2,600 locations to prepare for this year's Hajj season, according to Tawfiq Al Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah. Since the end of Hajj last year, Mr. Al Rabiah and his team have visited 11 countries to discuss investment in projects to help pilgrims and address challenges.

Streamlined Entry Process

Mr. Al Rabiah noted that 250,000 pilgrims used the Makkah Route, which enables those traveling from 11 airports in seven countries to complete entry formalities for Saudi Arabia in their home airports, granting them a direct path to and from Makkah and Madinah. The seven countries participating in the Makkah Route initiative are Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, Bangladesh, Turkey, and the Ivory Coast.

Challenges of High Temperatures

This year, the high temperatures will pose a challenge for pilgrims who are being advised to stay hydrated and to take precautions against the hot weather. "The expected climate for Hajj this year will witness an increase in average temperatures of one and a half to two degrees above normal in Makkah and Madinah," said national meteorology centre chief Ayman Ghulam at a press conference. The forecast indicates "relative humidity of 25 percent, rain rates close to zero, and an average maximum temperature of 44ºC."

Enhanced Services for Pilgrims

Other provisions being made include free Wi-Fi at the Al Anaim and Al Hal mosques in Al Ji'rannah areas, as well as Qarn Al Manaqil and Wadi Muharram miqats, or entry points for pilgrims. Pilgrims will also be able to access smart services provided by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, including the Islamic Library's collection of 3,000 legal and scientific materials available in more than 45 languages. They will also be able to find quick answers to common questions, as well as instructional videos.

Global Significance of Hajj

Last year, over 1.8 million Muslims participated in the Hajj. The Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister, Tawfiq al-Rabiah, announced that approximately 1.2 million pilgrims from various countries have already arrived for this year’s Hajj, highlighting the global significance and scale of this spiritual journey. This influx of pilgrims underscores the importance of the Hajj in the Islamic world and the extensive preparations undertaken by Saudi Arabia to accommodate and support the faithful during this sacred pilgrimage.