Pilgrims who stayed in Mina on Tuesday night performed the stoning ritual for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday afternoon. They threw pebbles at three Jamarat in a calm and peaceful atmosphere inside the Jamarat Complex. After completing the ritual, they left Mina for Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wida, marking the end of the annual pilgrimage. Despite the official conclusion of Hajj on Wednesday, pilgrims were allowed to complete it earlier. Most pilgrims took advantage of this concession and left Mina before sunset on Tuesday. After performing the stoning ritual, pilgrims returned to their accommodations in Mina camps, packed their bags, and boarded buses to Makkah for Farewell Tawaf.
Pilgrims departed from the Tent City of Mina, carrying with them sweet memories and a sense of self-realization from their spiritual journey. The rituals were performed amidst a temperature spike, with hundreds of heat stroke cases reported among the pilgrims. Saudi health authorities recorded over 2,700 cases of heat exhaustion on the first day of stoning alone. Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announced the successful implementation of its operational plan for the Hajj season of 2024. The plan focused on creating a seamless and comfortable experience for pilgrims, with improvements in infrastructure and services to cater to all age groups and those with disabilities.
The plan included high-quality infrastructure improvements such as advanced cooling systems, enhanced audio-visual systems, and efficient crowd control door systems. Services were provided to cater to all age groups and those with disabilities, including electric vehicles for tawaf and sa’i on the Grand Mosque’s rooftop, well-maintained washrooms, and ablution facilities. The authority ensured the operation of these services and systems throughout the Hajj period, providing a faith-filled environment for pilgrims and consistent availability of Zamzam water. Pilgrims are now departing from Makkah after successfully completing their Hajj rituals. They were transported by buses provided by the General Syndicate of Cars.
Departing pilgrims expressed their deep gratitude for the exceptional organization and services provided during their pilgrimage. They offered heartfelt thanks to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering support. Pilgrims were particularly impressed by the exceptional facilities, dedicated services, and warm treatment they received throughout their journey. The successful execution of the operational plan for the Hajj season of 2024 reflects the dedication and tireless efforts of the authority’s personnel in ensuring a smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage and creating a comfortable experience for pilgrims.
In conclusion, pilgrims who stayed in Mina on Tuesday night performed the stoning ritual on Wednesday before leaving for Makkah to complete their Hajj journey with Farewell Tawaf. Despite the challenges of heat exhaustion, the Saudi health authorities recorded cases among the pilgrims. The successful execution of the operational plan for the 2024 Hajj season ensured a seamless and comfortable experience for pilgrims, with high-quality infrastructure improvements and services provided. Departing pilgrims expressed their gratitude for the exceptional organization and services, thanking King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support. The annual pilgrimage was conducted smoothly, providing pilgrims with a memorable and fulfilling spiritual journey.
