Following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), hundreds of pilgrims are preparing for the lifetime journey of hajj, expected to start July 28, 2020.
This year Hajj is like no other due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced Saudi govt to cut the number of pilgrims to only 1000 to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
Here follows an infograph by Agence France Presse (AFP) showing hajj rituals:
In the first leg of hajj, which starts on July 29 in Mina, the faithful, clad in the white ihram garb, busy themselves reciting the Noble Qur’an and praying.
On the second day, July 30, the pilgrims will ascend the site of Mount `Arafat where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his last sermon more than 14 centuries ago.
The pilgrims then will return to Mina after spending the night in Muzdalifah.
They will then take part in the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamrat Al-Aqaba and sacrifice animals to mark the four-day `Eid Al-Adha, which will start on July 31.