Pilgrims take a selfie after the symbolic stoning ritual during the Hajj in Mina, near Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah. AP
Pilgrims take a selfie after the symbolic stoning ritual during the Hajj in Mina, near Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah. AP
A woman pilgrim prays after the stoning ritual. AP
A woman pilgrim prays after the stoning ritual. AP
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar representing the devil, one of several rituals that form part of the annual Hajj. Reuters
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar representing the devil, one of several rituals that form part of the annual Hajj. Reuters
A pilgrim flings a stone at a pillar symbolising Satan. Reuters
A pilgrim flings a stone at a pillar symbolising Satan. Reuters
An official in Mina, near Makkah, directs a pilgrim during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
An official in Mina, near Makkah, directs a pilgrim during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Coronavirus hit the Hajj for a second year running. An event that annually attracts about 2. 5 million Muslims from around the world this year is unrecognisable in scale with strict health restrictions in place.
Coronavirus hit the Hajj for a second year running. An event that annually attracts about 2. 5 million Muslims from around the world this year is unrecognisable in scale with strict health restrictions in place.
Pilgrims at prayer after participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims at prayer after participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
A pilgrim during prayer after the stone-throwing ritual.
A pilgrim during prayer after the stone-throwing ritual.
Pilgrims cast stones in a ritual stoning of Satan during Hajj.
Pilgrims cast stones in a ritual stoning of Satan during Hajj.
Pilgrims pray after the stone-throwing ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims pray after the stone-throwing ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
A Hajj pilgrim in Mina, near Makkah, casts a stone at a pillar representing Satan.
A Hajj pilgrim in Mina, near Makkah, casts a stone at a pillar representing Satan.
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar symbolising Satan during the annual Hajj.
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar symbolising Satan during the annual Hajj.
A pilgrim prays after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
A pilgrim prays after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
A worker distributes free water from the holy well of Zamzam to pilgrims.
A worker distributes free water from the holy well of Zamzam to pilgrims.
A Saudi policewoman, Samar, stands in front of the Kaaba.
A Saudi policewoman, Samar, stands in front of the Kaaba.
A pilgrim casts stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
A pilgrim casts stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims throw stones at pillars symbolising Satan during Hajj in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims throw stones at pillars symbolising Satan during Hajj in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims have their heads shaved on the second day of Eid Al Adha after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims have their heads shaved on the second day of Eid Al Adha after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims, keeping social distancing and wearing protective masks, cast stones at pillars symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims, keeping social distancing and wearing protective masks, cast stones at pillars symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims pray on top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near Makkah.
Pilgrims pray on top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near Makkah.
Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat during Hajj.
Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat during Hajj.
A pilgrim prays in front of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the plain of Arafat, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
A pilgrim prays in front of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the plain of Arafat, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims gather around Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al Rahma, or the Mountain of Mercy.
Pilgrims gather around Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al Rahma, or the Mountain of Mercy.
Muslim pilgrims at Mount Arafat.
Muslim pilgrims at Mount Arafat.
Vaccinated pilgrims performing Hajj.
Vaccinated pilgrims performing Hajj.
Pilgrims shelter from the sun under an umbrella.
Pilgrims shelter from the sun under an umbrella.
Participants remained socially distanced and wore masks as the coronavirus took its toll on the Hajj for a second year running.
Participants remained socially distanced and wore masks as the coronavirus took its toll on the Hajj for a second year running.
Officials replace the covering cloth of the Kaaba.
Officials replace the covering cloth of the Kaaba.
Aerial view of the Mina area during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah.
Aerial view of the Mina area during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah.
The Kaaba is covered with the Kiswa cloth.
The Kaaba is covered with the Kiswa cloth.
Another view of the Mina area.
Another view of the Mina area.
Pilgrims must be under 65 and without a chronic disease.
Pilgrims must be under 65 and without a chronic disease.
Rules for the 2021 Hajj allow for a maximum of 60,000 citizens and residents Saudi Arabia.
Rules for the 2021 Hajj allow for a maximum of 60,000 citizens and residents Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to be allowed entry.
Pilgrims must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to be allowed entry.
It is the second consecutive year that numbers at Hajj are limited due to pandemic.
It is the second consecutive year that numbers at Hajj are limited due to pandemic.
Muslim pilgrims, wearing protective face masks, circle the Kaaba.
Muslim pilgrims, wearing protective face masks, circle the Kaaba.
Coronavirus precautions are taken across the site.
Coronavirus precautions are taken across the site.
Pilgrims arrive at their tented camp in Mina, near the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims arrive at their tented camp in Mina, near the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Time for prayer and reflection.
Time for prayer and reflection.
For some worshippers, this year’s Hajj is a strange experience because it has been scaled down to such an extent.
For some worshippers, this year’s Hajj is a strange experience because it has been scaled down to such an extent.
A pilgrim recites the Quran.
A pilgrim recites the Quran.
Saudi pilgrim Irak al Dofairy, 65, reads the Quran on his mobile phone at a camp in Mina.
Saudi pilgrim Irak al Dofairy, 65, reads the Quran on his mobile phone at a camp in Mina.
A pilgrim sits cross-legged.
A pilgrim sits cross-legged.
.Mina sits in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky mountains.
.Mina sits in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky mountains.
Visitors partake in the rituals of the great pilgrimage.
Visitors partake in the rituals of the great pilgrimage.
Walking around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
Walking around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
Back at the camp.
Back at the camp.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, started with only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents allowed to take part this year because of the pandemic.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, started with only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents allowed to take part this year because of the pandemic.
Pilgrims pour into Makkah for first Hajj rituals amid strict health measures.
Pilgrims pour into Makkah for first Hajj rituals amid strict health measures.
A pilgrim takes a selfie at the Grand Mosque as he wears a mask and stands on social distancing signs.
A pilgrim takes a selfie at the Grand Mosque as he wears a mask and stands on social distancing signs.
A total of 60,000 assembled in Mina on Sunday before moving to Arafat on Monday.
A total of 60,000 assembled in Mina on Sunday before moving to Arafat on Monday.
Muslim pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba.
Muslim pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba.
A robot sterilises an area of the Grand Mosque before Hajj.
A robot sterilises an area of the Grand Mosque before Hajj.
The pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.
The pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.
Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque.
Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque.
Workers disinfect the grounds.
Workers disinfect the grounds.
Muslim pilgrims walk around the cubic building of the Kaaba.
Muslim pilgrims walk around the cubic building of the Kaaba.
A Muslim pilgrim walks past a sign reminding Hajj participants of social distancing.
A Muslim pilgrim walks past a sign reminding Hajj participants of social distancing.
A pilgrims arrives to atend the Hajj season in Makkah.
A pilgrims arrives to atend the Hajj season in Makkah.
Hajj authorities have been disinfecting the Grand Mosque around the clock to ensure pilgrims' safety.
Hajj authorities have been disinfecting the Grand Mosque around the clock to ensure pilgrims' safety.
The pilgrimage remains a deeply personal experience for many, despite the downsizing for the second year running.
The pilgrimage remains a deeply personal experience for many, despite the downsizing for the second year running.
A person can perform Hajj on behalf of someone who has died or is unable to come to Makkah but only if they have already performed the pilgrimage for themselves.
A person can perform Hajj on behalf of someone who has died or is unable to come to Makkah but only if they have already performed the pilgrimage for themselves.
A man hands a bottle of water to a pilgrim at the Grand Mosque.
A man hands a bottle of water to a pilgrim at the Grand Mosque.
The annual ritual is an important part of Islam.
The annual ritual is an important part of Islam.
Pilgrims are dotted around the site.
Pilgrims are dotted around the site.
Saudi troops stand guard as the first pilgrims arrive at the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
Saudi troops stand guard as the first pilgrims arrive at the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
A person takes a video as pilgrims perform Tawaf, the rite of circumambulating the Kaaba.
A person takes a video as pilgrims perform Tawaf, the rite of circumambulating the Kaaba.
Pilgrims pray in the evening near the Kaaba.
Pilgrims pray in the evening near the Kaaba.
A Saudi security officer watches as pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba
A Saudi security officer watches as pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba

Gulf

Pilgrims reflect on a ‘magnificent’ Hajj

Technology and strict guidelines helped keep pilgrims safe from Covid-19 this year

Balquees Basalom
Mariam Nihal
Makkah

July 21, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Pilgrims celebrated the beginning of Eid Al Adha in Makkah on Wednesday as Saudi Arabia’s Hajj began winding down.

Worshippers wearing masks repeated the Jamarat stoning of the devil ritual, throwing pebbles at all three stone pillars, before spending the evening in their camps in Mina.

Those taking part told The National they felt elated at the opportunity to undertake this once-in-a-lifetime Hajj.

“Those who perform Hajj are believed to be like a new baby, all their mistakes are gone, and I'm feeling this. By every step of the rituals we do, I feel a part of me is getting purer. I feel gradually I'm being reborn,” Atheer Bahakim, 18, said.

Ms Bahakim said she had not known what to expect for her first Hajj, but so far, it was the journey of a lifetime.

The most significant moment was when people were walking together and saying the special prayer dedicated to Hajj, called talbiyah, she said.

“They were all saying 'labaik Allahuma labaik' together. It was so majestic. I got goosebumps from it.”

Ms Bahakim's mother, who is also performing Hajj this year, agreed this point was the most significant.

“I was tearing up when I heard the talbiyah. All these people are here for one purpose and asking the same God, all are here for this journey and all are saying the same words. It is really a magnificent scene.”

In down time between Hajj activities, pilgrims began to celebrate Eid Al Adha, buying gifts to take home for loved ones, such as prayer beads, personalised prayer mats, Qurans, prayer books and locally made jewellery as shops opened on the second day of the holiday.

Food is also a main attraction, with pilgrims queuing at the famous Al Baik chicken shop and enjoying coffee and cake in cafes.

“We see people here wishing to be with their families, but not everyone can. We are lucky to be here on this holy journey together, and we hope God accepts our Hajj,” pilgrim Shatha Al Haddah said.

The day spent at Arafat was the most meaningful for her.

“When we were in Arafat, it was like a dream. I couldn't believe we were actually there,” said the 36-year-old.

Her sister, Shahad Al Haddah, said that despite the challenging journey, all pilgrims are bearing with the heat and the hardship for the emotional blessing of performing the pilgrimage. “I also admired how despite all, these people are still smiling, praying and helping each other,” she said.

Keeping this year’s 60,000 pilgrims safe during the Covid-19 pandemic has been a complex logistical challenge that started with strict criteria on who was allowed to attend.

Only those who had been fully vaccinated with no underlying conditions and who already resided in the kingdom were accepted.

A number of technological methods were also put in place to aid social distancing, including smartcards.

The plastic cards are available in green, red, yellow and blue. The colours correspond to markings on the ground guiding pilgrims through the different stages of the Hajj.

The digital system also allows authorities to guide the tens of thousands who attend the annual event, which in years past has at times been marred by deadly stampedes and accidents.

Each card contains basic information about each pilgrim, including their registration number, exact location of their accommodation, mobile phone number and the ID number of their guide.

- Agencies contributed to this report

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

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the pledge

I pledge to uphold the duty of tolerance

I pledge to take a first stand against hate and injustice

I pledge to respect and accept people whose abilities, beliefs and culture are different from my own

I pledge to wish for others what I wish for myself

I pledge to live in harmony with my community

I pledge to always be open to dialogue and forgiveness

I pledge to do my part to create peace for all

I pledge to exercise benevolence and choose kindness in all my dealings with my community

I pledge to always stand up for these values: Zayed's values for tolerance and human fraternity

The specs

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters

The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.

 Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.

A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.

The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.

The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.

Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.

Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment

But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.

Results

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2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000

3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000

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Updated: July 21, 2021, 6:00 PM`
Hajj 2025Eid Al Adha 2025Saudi Arabia