ALBAWABA- Mina, a valley surrounded by nearby mountains of Mecca, recognized as the largest tent city globally, spans a vast area of 2,192,000 square meters, accommodating pilgrims during the Hajj season, as confirmed by the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown that impacted the Hajj season for two consecutive years, the Ministry recently announced that Mecca is set to welcome over two million pilgrims from around the world, marking the highest number since the pandemic's onset. In comparison to last year's figure of fewer than 500 thousand pilgrims from both within Saudi Arabia and abroad, this year's pilgrim count has tripled under the pre-Covid rules. Temporary residences have been prepared in Mina and the surrounding areas of Mecca to accommodate the pilgrims.
The climax of this year's Hajj will occur on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, coinciding with the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu-Al-Hijjah known as the day of Arafat. This day holds immense significance in the Muslim faith as it marks the Greatest Day of Hajj, following the preceding Day of Tarwiyah on the 8th of Dhu-Al-Hijjah.
On Tarwiyah, pilgrims embark on a journey from Mecca to Mina to fetch water and spend the night, preparing for the momentous day of Arafat when they head to Arafat Mountain to listen to the Arafat oration, commemorating the teachings of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH).
