Saudi Ministry rolls out integrated Haj monitoring system
Hajis to depart for Arafat today for key rituals
J&K Haj Committee urges pilgrims to maintain patience, unity
Ovaise Gul
Srinagar, May 25: The pivotal rituals of Hajj pilgrimage commenced on Monday with the pilgrims from across the world departing for Mina from their residences in Makkah to observe the Day of Tarwiyah.
A total of 1.6 million pilgrims across the globe, including around 4,000 from Jammu & Kashmir, are performing the Hajj-2026. The pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir departed from Srinagar International Airport on May 5 for Al-Madinah Al-Tayyibah.
The pilgrims departed for Mina from their residences in Makkah to observe the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the beginning of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Following the example of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), pilgrims are reciting the talbiyah and glorifying God as they make their way to the Tent City (Mina).
According to the Saudi Gazette, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has implemented an integrated system dedicated to organising the movement of pilgrims to their camps and monitoring the quality of services provided at the holy sites, in coordination with various relevant authorities.
The ministry’s efforts include overseeing the movement of pilgrims from their accommodations and hospitality centres to Mina, ensuring smooth access to the camps, providing guidance and awareness services, and assisting pilgrims in reaching their designated locations in accordance with the approved operational plans for the 2026 Hajj season.
The ministry has also completed the operational readiness of accommodation, catering, and transportation services within Mina, while enhancing field monitoring measures to promptly identify and address any issues. These efforts contribute to improving the quality of services during the initial stages of pilgrims’ stay at the holy sites.
Furthermore, after spending the night in Mina amid recitation of talbiyah and glorifying God, the pilgrims will leave for Arafat after Fajr (morning prayers) on Youm-e-Arafat, considered as a most important pillar of the Hajj.
As per the Islamic teachings, the Hajj is not accepted without Youm-e-Arafat.
After spending the night in Arafat, the Hujaj-e-Kiram will depart towards Muzdalifah on Youm-e-Nahar (Day of Sacrifice), where further key rituals will be conducted by the pilgrims.
In the meantime, the Hajis have been asked not to carry more than one shoulder bag with them during the movement from Mina to Arafat to Muzdalifah. The Indian Haj Pilgrims’ Office (IHPO) has directed all State Hajj Inspectors to ensure that each pilgrim carries only one shoulder bag during the movement between the holy sites. The pilgrim found violating the norms wouldn’t be allowed to even board the buses.
Meanwhile, the Jammu Kashmir Hajj Committee has appealed to the Haj pilgrims to be filled with tranquillity, stay together and practice patience during performing the important Hajj rituals.
“As you prepare to embark on the sacred journey to the Mashair region—Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah—this evening and tomorrow morning, may your hearts be filled with tranquillity and your intentions focused solely on the pleasure of Allah (SWT),” reads a message issued yesterday by JK Hajj Committee.
To ensure a smooth and blessed experience, the pilgrims were asked to practice patience (Sabr), saying that “the journey of Hajj is a test of patience. Expect crowds, heat, and physical challenges. View every difficulty as a means of erasing sins and increasing your reward. Remain calm and kind in every situation.”
The Haj pilgrims were asked to utilise their time wisely. “This is the time of your life. Minimise aimless talk and distractions. Spend every possible moment in Dhikr, Dua, recitation of the Quran, and reflection. Your time in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah is precious—do not let it slip away in idle activities.”
The message further advised the pilgrims to stay together. “Always remain with your assigned group or Muallim caravan. In the massive crowds of the Mashair, it is very easy to get separated. Look out for one another, especially the elderly and those who are less mobile.”
The pilgrims were advised to extend help. “The spirit of Hajj is one of brotherhood. Be the first to help a fellow pilgrim in need, whether it is offering water, helping someone find their way, or simply offering a kind word.”
“Let us leave all Maslaki ikhtilaf (sectarian differences) behind. We are all here as humble servants of Allah, wearing the same Ihram, seeking the same mercy. Focus on what unites us in faith and prayer,” the message reads, asking the Hajis to renew their intentions (Niyyah) continuously.