Mina, May 26, 2026 – The Europe Today: The rituals of Hajj 2026 have officially commenced as pilgrims began arriving in Mina from Makkah in groups, marking the start of the annual pilgrimage rites.
Pilgrims performed the prayers of Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha in Mina, while the night was filled with continuous chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik,” as worshippers spent most of their time in prayer and recitation of the Holy Quran.
Authorities made arrangements to ensure the safety of pilgrims amid intense heat, including water spraying by security personnel to help reduce heat stress and protect worshippers.
On Monday, corresponding to 8th Dhul Hijjah, Pakistani pilgrims observed the Day of Tarwiyah in devotional worship in Mina. Due to high temperatures, most pilgrims spent the day inside their tents, while movement in the streets and pathways increased in the evening as weather conditions became more moderate.
It is estimated that around two million Muslims from around the world are currently gathered in Mina.
Pakistani pilgrims also offered Dhuhr and Asr prayers in Mina, after which the first groups began departing toward the plains of Arafat in the evening.
The main Hajj rite of Wuquf-e-Arafat will be observed on 9th Dhul Hijjah, with all pilgrims expected to reach Arafat before the Dhuhr prayer.
Meanwhile, some pilgrims reportedly faced initial accommodation issues in Mina; however, officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs later resolved the matter and ensured proper arrangements.
The Saudi Ministry of Health has also emphasized the importance of wearing medical identification wristbands for pilgrims, stating that they enable rapid access to health information and help emergency response teams provide timely medical assistance.
