Masjid al-Haram grows quieter as millions of Hajj pilgrims depart for Arafat

Masjid al-Haram began appearing quieter from Monday evening (25 May). Thousands of Hajj pilgrims who had swarmed the sacred mosque in Mecca over recent days have decreased as over two million, including over 200,000 Indonesians, moved in waves to Arafat Plain to perform Wuqof, the climax of the 2026 Hajj. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that Indonesian Hajj pilgrims began being gradually transported from their respective hotels to Arafat on Monday, coinciding with 8 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 Hijriah, to undergo the culmination of the Haj rituals. The ministry reported that the movement of pilgrims to Arafat is being carried out in three phases at 7am, 11:30am, and 4:30pm Saudi Arabia time. Pilgrims are advised to adhere to the designated schedules, avoid moving individually, not overtake their groups, and strictly follow instructions from cluster, sector, and religious guides to ensure an orderly and safe process. The Indonesian government has deployed health posts during the Hajj’s peak, particularly in Arafat and Mina, to ensure prompt and optimal medical services. ‘We have deployed one Indonesian health post each in Arafat and MINA to ensure swift and optimal medical assistance during the Armuzna phase,’ said Ministry of Hajj and Umrah spokesperson Maria Ulfa Assegaf. Maria explained that 657 Arafah task force personnel have been stationed at various service points to ensure smooth operations.