Pilgrims Observe Tarwiyah in Mina, Pray at Mount Arafat as Hajj Reaches its Peak

Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)
Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)
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Pilgrims Observe Tarwiyah in Mina, Pray at Mount Arafat as Hajj Reaches its Peak

Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)
Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)

On Friday, Hajj pilgrims observed the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, following the prophetic tradition.
They enjoyed a peaceful and secure environment as they prepared for their journey to Arafat at dawn on Saturday, the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, to perform the crucial ‘standing at Arafat’ ritual.
The movement of pilgrims to Mina was smooth, monitored by thousands of security personnel.
The Saudi government provided comprehensive care, mobilizing all resources to offer top-tier services, ensuring the pilgrims could perform their rituals with ease and comfort.
Thousands Gather at Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina
Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina was filled with several thousands of worshippers in a spiritual and secure atmosphere.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched a major upgrade to the mosque’s air conditioning, adding over 780 new units and 73 air purification systems.
These improvements ensure a constant flow of fresh air and keep the temperature inside at a comfortable 20 degrees Celsius.
Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina has long been a focus for Muslim leaders. Expanded in 1987, it now features four minarets, advanced lighting, air conditioning, and carpeting. It also includes a restroom complex with over a thousand facilities.
Pilgrims traveling to Mount Arafat benefit from extensive services provided by various government sectors to ensure their comfort and ease during their spiritual journey.
At Namirah Mosque in Arafat, pilgrims will perform combined and shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers after listening to the Arafat sermon by Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly, Imam of the Grand Mosque.
The sermon will be translated into 20 languages, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leadership, tolerance, moderation, and global peace.
At sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, where they perform Maghrib and Isha prayers.
They spend the night there until dawn on Sunday, the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
On Eid al-Adha, they will throw stones at the largest Jamarat pillar, perform the sacrificial slaughter, shave their heads, and then go to the Grand Mosque for Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
New Flexible Flooring Enhances Pilgrim Comfort
The Royal Commission for Makkah has installed flexible flooring at the holy sites using the latest technology. This project aims to make the pilgrimage more comfortable and safe by reducing the effort needed for walking and minimizing heat stress.
The flooring, made from recycled rubber, increases comfort, reduces injuries, improves the area's appearance, and lowers heat emissions.
Moreover, Makkah experienced a surge in electricity demand on Thursday, the eve of Tarwiyah, reaching 5,361 megawatts—a 20% rise from the previous year’s 4,451 megawatts.
The Saudi Electricity Company is actively managing power services across Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah during Hajj.
Highly skilled teams ensure reliability, readiness for emergencies, and swift response to maintenance and reports via the unified security operations center and social media.



OIC to Host 2024 International Symposium on Al-Quds in Jeddah 

The Dome of the Rock shrine is lit up at dusk at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, East Jerusalem, March 21, 2023. (AFP)
The Dome of the Rock shrine is lit up at dusk at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, East Jerusalem, March 21, 2023. (AFP)
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OIC to Host 2024 International Symposium on Al-Quds in Jeddah 

The Dome of the Rock shrine is lit up at dusk at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, East Jerusalem, March 21, 2023. (AFP)
The Dome of the Rock shrine is lit up at dusk at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, East Jerusalem, March 21, 2023. (AFP)

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) will host the 2024 International Symposium on the Question of Al-Quds.

The theme of the symposium is “Al-Quds and the Gaza War: Palestinian Identity and Existence Under Threat of Erasure.” The symposium will take place on Monday at the OIC's headquarters in Jeddah, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

The symposium aims to shed light on the Israel’s policies of forced displacement and confiscation of Palestinian property in Jerusalem through the intensification of Judaization. These actions will be placed in the broader context of similar illegal activities occurring in other parts of the occupied Palestinian territory.

Special focus will be given to the ongoing Israeli war in the Gaza Strip, the mass forced displacement of the Palestinian civilian population, and other violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.

The symposium will also show joint support for international efforts to halt the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and initiate an irreversible political process to end the Israeli occupation.

The goal is to achieve a just, comprehensive, lasting peace based on international law and relevant UN resolutions. This includes advocating for the independence of the State of Palestine on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The program of the 2024 International Symposium on the Question of Al-Quds includes an opening session featuring speeches from the OIC Secretary-General, representatives of Saudi Arabia, the State of Palestine, the United Nations, and the Chairman of CEIRPP.

There will be a panel discussion titled "Al-Quds in the Shadow of the War on Gaza: Challenges to Peace and Security in the Region and Beyond," which will include the participation of four experts from Jerusalem.