Millions of pilgrims make their way to Mount Arafat for Hajj 2025 sermon

The annual Hajj pilgrimage has officially begun, with nearly two million pilgrims settling in the vast tent city of Mina.

Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, draws millions of Muslims from around the world every year, fulfilling a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey for those people who could afford them.

The air in Makkah echoes with the powerful chants of Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik as pilgrims commence the sacred journey.

A total of 88,301 Pakistani pilgrims are participating under the government scheme, while another 27,012 are performing Hajj through private operators. Pilgrims from Pakistan have been transported to Mina via buses from residential areas including Aziziyah, Naseem, and Batha Quraish.

After donning the ihram and offering two rakats of prayer, the pilgrims made their intention for Hajj and departed for Mina. On the morning of 9th Dhul-Hijjah, they will proceed to the plains of Arafat for the most significant rite of Hajj – Wuquf-e-Arafat (Standing at Arafat).

Following the Hajj sermon on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims will offer combined Zuhr and Asr prayers and remain at Arafat until sunset.

Without performing Maghrib prayer in Arafat, they will then head to Muzdalifah, where they will combine Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night under the open sky.