DHAKA, June 4, 2025 (BSS) - Millions of pilgrims from across the globe have converged on Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform the sacred rites of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam.

The annual pilgrimage officially began Tuesday evening (Zilhaj 7), as pilgrims began their journey to Mina, approximately 9 kilometers from the Holy Mosque, Masjid al-Haram. 

Wearing the traditional white, unstitched cloth 'Ihram', the pilgrims have entered a state of spiritual purity and humility.

According to Islamic tradition, it is Sunnah to reach Mina before the Zuhr (midday) prayers on 8 Zilhaj. There, pilgrims will spend the day and night in prayer, recitation of the Qur'an and continuous remembrance of Allah (zikir), staying in thousands of specially prepared tents.

Tomorrow, Thursday (Zilhaj 9), marks the most significant day of the Hajj pilgrimage. 

At dawn, the pilgrims will proceed to the plain of Arafat, about 14 kilometers from Mina. The entire 'maydan' will resound with the powerful chant of "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik" as the pilgrims stand in solemn prayer and devotion until sunset.

Staying at Arafat is a mandatory part of Hajj. There, pilgrims will engage in intense worship, supplication and listen to the central Hajj sermon.

The five-day pilgrimage, spanning from Zilhaj 8 to 12, will take pilgrims through Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mecca. The final rituals will include Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa'i (the walk between Safa and Marwah) and Dam-e-Shukr (a sacrificial offering), marking the conclusion of the Hajj.

This year, 87,157 Bangladeshi pilgrims are participating in the Hajj. They traveled to Saudi Arabia via 224 flights operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, and Flynas between April 29 and May 31. Return flights for Bangladeshi pilgrims are scheduled to begin on June 10 and will continue until July 10.

Hajj is considered one of the greatest gatherings of humanity, offering Muslims a unique opportunity to cleanse their sins, renew their faith and seek divine forgiveness.

In preparation for the Hajj pilgrimage beginning, the Bangladesh Hajj Office has formed 18 specialized teams to support Bangladeshi pilgrims in Mina. 

Pilgrims will leave for Mina on the 8th of Zilhaj to perform the essential rites of Hajj. 

Considering the beginning of the hajj-formal proceedings, Bangladesh Hajj Office issued an official order regarding the deployment of these teams on Tuesday, following the decisions made during the Hajj Monitoring Committee meeting held on Monday. 

According to the directives, four teams have been formed to manage the movement of pilgrims arriving through government channels.

These teams will ensure the safe transportation of pilgrims to Mina and their return to the hotels after completing the Hajj rituals.

A total of 10 officials will be responsible for these operations. 

In addition, six teams will be stationed at key locations in Mina to offer guidance and essential assistance to the pilgrims. These teams, composing of 87 officers and employees, will be working in three shifts to ensure continuous support for the pilgrims throughout the day and night. 

Eight dedicated teams have been formed to oversee the conditions of the tents used by pilgrims under private management.

The teams, consisting of 23 members, will inspect the tents of various service providers in Zone 5 of Mina to ensure that safety and comfort standards are maintained.