Hajj Peak Rituals, Pilgrims Urged to Look Out for One Another

The peak Hajj movements towards Arafah, Mina, and Muzdalifah (Armuzna) began on 25 May 2026 / 8 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH, with pilgrims gradually mobilised from hotels in Mecca to Arafah for the wukuf ritual on Tuesday, 26 May 2026 / 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH, joining approximately 1.6 million Hajj pilgrims from around the world.

National Hajj Commission chairman Mustolih Siradj said pilgrims would then move to Muzdalifah for overnight stay (mabit). Subsequently, they proceed to Mina to perform the stoning of the jamarat pillars for the Aqabah, Ula, and Wustha rites between 10-12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447. During this period, pilgrims must also travel to Mecca to perform the Ifadah tawaf, sai, and tahallul.

‘With such a packed schedule, long distances, and simultaneous movements, the Armuzna rituals will be extremely draining on energy and stamina, potentially causing fatigue, reduced concentration, stamina drops, and even illness,’ Mustolih said on Monday 25 May 2026.

Such conditions could cause pilgrim groups to become separated from their teams, fall behind, or get dispersed, particularly among the elderly and disabled, leading to them getting lost or going missing. In Armuzna, millions of pilgrims wearing identical white ihram garments and uniform tents often struggle to distinguish their group members or resting tents from those of other nationalities. Additionally, scorching temperatures expected to approach 50 degrees Celsius pose further challenges.

‘Therefore, strong cohesion and solidarity among pilgrims are essential to stay united, assist each other (ta’awun), and uphold the ’pilgrims looking out for pilgrims’ spirit without solely relying on officials,’ he said.

Mustolih said this would minimise cases of lost or missing pilgrims. At this stage, the roles of group leaders (karom) and squad leaders (karu) are crucial. Nevertheless, the National Hajj Commission is confident this year’s Armuzna peak Hajj will proceed successfully and smoothly.