Maldives: PontaSud – Chiquera Swanepoel
Maldives Hajj Mission states Maldivian pilgrims will remain in Mina today and depart for Mount Arafat tonight.
The pilgrims began traveling to Mina last night.
According to Maldives Hajj Mission, all Maldivian pilgrims have reached Mina at present. The pilgrims received a warm welcome upon their arrival at Mina.
Hajj Mission confirmed that all pilgrims are in good health. Noting there is a pilgrim who requires dialysis, Hajj Mission said they are closely monitoring the condition of the pilgrim.
The pilgrims are set to depart for Mount Arafat tonight. They will be spending Arafat Day, which falls on Friday, at Mount Arafat, where they will offer supplication and seek forgiveness and mercy from noon through dusk.
Following this, the pilgrims will depart for Muzdalifah.
A total of 1,000 Maldivians traveled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage this year.
The Maldives was added to the Makkah Route Initiative this year, which means pilgrims were able to complete immigration procedures of both countries at the Velana International Airport before leaving for Saudi Arabia.
This eliminated waiting time at Jeddah airport and allowed pilgrims to directly go to their hotels with their luggage.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed are also in Saudi for hajj.
The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims who are able to.
