Hajj 2023: Saudi Arabia delivers successful post-pandemic pilgrimage

More than 7,600 volunteers have been working to provide healthcare services during Hajj this year

A volunteer with the Saudi Agency for Social and Voluntary Services provides lanyards for young Hajj pilgrims Photo: General Presidency of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque

Saudi Arabia's General Presidency of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque is well-prepared for receiving large numbers of Hajj pilgrims for the final circumambulation – the Farewell Tawaf.

Worshippers entered the Grand Mosque in Makkah on the second day of the days of Tashreeq, travelling from Mina, south-east of the holy city, in large crowds.

Tashreeq refers to the three days that follow the day of Eid Al Adha.

Pilgrims from the kingdom were scheduled to perform the farewell circumambulation of the Kabaa, the sacred cube-shaped building at the centre of the Grand Mosque, on the 12th and 13th of Dhu Al Hijjah. The 14th has been reserved for international pilgrims.

Madinah has put in place all the necessary operational plans, in co-ordination with the relevant government agencies, to receive Hajj pilgrims who will arrive to the city to pray in the Prophet’s Mosque and visit prominent Islamic landmarks.

Muslims around the world celebrated Eid Al Adha on Wednesday, as pilgrims in Saudi Arabia began performing the final rituals of Hajj.

About 1.8 million pilgrims converged on the tent city of Mina on Monday. This is the largest Hajj since the coronavirus pandemic, that began in 2020, strictly reduced access to one of Islam’s five pillars.

The pilgrimage took place seamlessly without major incident, except for heat-related conditions as temperatures passed 40°C this week.

More than 6,500 cases of heat exhaustion have been recorded by the Ministry of Health.

Saudi volunteers help keep pilgrims cool during Hajj this year. SPA

Service with a smile

Meanwhile, young Saudi volunteers have been working around the clock to serve Hajj pilgrims this year.

More than 7,600 volunteers – both men and women – have been providing healthcare services for pilgrims.

“We devote all our time and effort to help assist pilgrims during Hajj season,” Duaa Hashim, a volunteer told The National.

“This year was very hot, we were serving water bottles and umbrellas throughout the day,”

“It has been very tough on pilgrims in the heat and sun, we advise them to rest and avoid staying outside and to remain in the shade as much as possible. It is our privilege to care for them,” she said.

Ministry of Health spokesman Mohammed Al Abdali said it is coordinating and working with all sectors and Hajj related ministries, adding that 32,000 people are working for the ministry.

Private companies, such as Saudi Arabia's Almarai foods, also participated in Hajj. Saudi Scouts gave pilgrims cold drinks and refreshments to cool off in the summer heat in the holy sites.

The Saudi Red Crescent on Wednesday said more than 2,300 of its volunteers, both men and women, are working to provide emergency services to pilgrims at holy sites this year.

“It is an honour to serve the pilgrims. We have been on call and working every day to make sure they are rushed to hospital. There have been many cases of heatstroke as it is very hot, said Ammar Osamah, a Saudi paramedic.

“There are many young Saudi Scouts here which is great to see for the pilgrims arriving to the kingdom. They are giving away water as we reach the hottest temperatures in Hajj,” added Mr Osamah.

A great number of volunteers are under 25, said Khalid Alshareef, a Saudi Hajj guide from Jeddah.

“They are very passionate and want to serve the pilgrims who get lost from their group.”

Heartwarming images of security forces hugging older pilgrims providing them comfort and spraying them with refreshing water have gone viral on social media.

An Egyptian pilgrim Hadir Eldessouky said the security forces went out of their way to help pilgrims during Hajj, all the time “wearing a smile on their face”.

Volunteers hand out food packages provided by Makkah residents to pilgrims. AFP

“This year we are working more than the last two years because of the increase in number of pilgrims from all over the world,” said Mr Alshareef.

“It is not easy for pilgrims who are feeling the heat, but we are trying our best to make them comfortable.”

The Health Ministry said that more than 215,000 pilgrims have been provided with medical treatment during Hajj.

“You can see young men and women taking care of pilgrims walking the hot ground in Mina and Arafat,” said Iman Ali, a local pilgrim.

“They helped spray water on my face and hands as well as pilgrims' heads to cool it down in the afternoon when the sun is at its peak.”

“They are doing a commendable job. We will always remember their warmth and generosity.”

The Grand Mosque seen from the Clock Tower in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the Hajj pilgrimage. AP

Pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AP

Pilgrims in the Grand Mosque. Photo: Hajj Ministry

Pilgrims praying in Mina, near Makkah. AFP

The Grand Mosque in Makkah with its clock tower and the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, in the centre. AFP

Pilgrims crowd Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as the Mount of Mercy, during the Hajj pilgrimage. AFP

Tents housing pilgrims in Mina for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. SPA

Pilgrims on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage. SPA

Pilgrims pray on the Mount of Mercy on the plain of Arafat. Reuters

Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba in Makkah. Reuters

Doves and pilgrims outside the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Reuters

Saudi security forces parade in Makkah as Muslim pilgrims from around the world arrive for the Hajj. AFP

Buses used to transport pilgrims at a station in Makkah during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. SPA

A pilgrim holds an umbrella as his wife prays, before they cast stones at a pillar in the symbolic stoning of the devil, in Mina, south-east of the holy city of Makkah, during the Hajj. AP