Pilgrims return to Mina after Haj climax
MAKKAH , September 1, 2017
About two million Haj pilgrims returned to Mina on Friday, the first day of Eid Al Adha, after praying on Jabal Al Rahma or Mount of Mercy in Arafat, near Makkah, the previous day.
At sunset yesterday, the pilgrims clad in white made their way to down the hill and headed to Muzdalifa to spend the night.
The pilgrims will undertake a number of rituals including the ritual of the symbolic "stoning of the devil" today. For the next three days pilgrims will be sleeping in Mina to complete their pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman reviewed security arrangements from Mina on Thursday evening, while Makkah Governor Khalid Al-Faisal said the Arafat phase of the Haj was a success.
Prince Khalid said pilgrims had proceeded from Arafat to Muzdalifah with ease.
He said the procession was carried out in record time using trains and other transport and there were no reports of accidents or other security or health issues.
Prince Al-Faisal affirmed that all sectors and government agencies concerned with the service of the pilgrims have carried out their plans, as decreed.
Meanwhile, Muslims performed Eid Al-Adha prayers on Friday morning at the Grand Holy Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet's Holy Mosque in Madinah, and throughout Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
In Makkah, the prayers at the Grand Holy Mosque was led by Imam and preacher of the Grand Holy Mosque Sheikh Dr. Maher bin Hamad Al-Muaiqli.
Prince Khalid Al Faisal, Governor of Makkah Region and chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, announced that proceeding of pilgrims of this Haj season from Arafat to Muzdalifah, a success done, quietly and at ease.
