Pilgrims to Begin Hajj in Mina on Friday Amid Strict Procedures and Comprehensive Services
Pilgrims will commence this Friday, the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, their Hajj rituals by heading to Mina for the Day of Tarwiyah, preparing for their ascension to Arafat on the ninth day, in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. This year’s pilgrimage unfolds under a comprehensive system of services and procedures implemented by Saudi authorities across security, health, service, and logistics sectors.
The Saudi authorities have intensified measures to ensure that only pilgrims with Hajj permits and the Nusuk card are granted entry into the Holy Sites. The Nusuk card, which serves as an identification document, enables their residence in Mecca and movement within the Holy Sites throughout the Hajj season.
Hajj security forces, along with auxiliary agencies, have established extensive security perimeters to safeguard pilgrims and facilitate their movement within the Holy Sites according to designated times. They also worked to arrest violators of Hajj regulations and apply penalties. Recently, over 300,000 violators of Hajj regulations were apprehended as well as those who didn’t carry a permit, including 153,998 foreigners who arrived on tourist visas.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reiterated the necessity for every pilgrim to carry their Nusuk card throughout their pilgrimage. This card is the only official proof for conforming pilgrims within the Holy Sites, facilitating their access to services as an identification document.
The Nusuk card, launched by the Ministry this season, is crucial for entry into the holy sites. Only those with a Hajj permit or visa can obtain it, and violators will face penalties without exceptions.
Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving the guests of God since its founding. He highlighted the Saudi leadership’s dedication to easing the arrival of pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques and Holy Sites, ensuring they can perform their rituals with ease and reassurance while receiving the highest levels of care and attention. He stressed the importance of adhering to regulations and instructions to ensure comprehensive service for all pilgrims.
The Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia had issued a fatwa declaring that it is impermissible to perform Hajj without a permit, deeming it a sin to not obtain a permit. Those who were unable to obtain a Hajj permit are considered unable to perform Hajj.
They explained that the adherence to obtaining a Hajj permit aligns with Sharia’s principles of maximizing benefits and minimizing harm, ensuring order and safety during the pilgrimage.
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