Hajj Pilgrims Throng to Mount Arafat, as Kaaba Has New Kiswah On

Makkah, 09 Dzulhijjah 1437/11 September 2016 (MINA) – Hajj pilgrims from around the world started early on Sunday walking to Mount Arafat, to prepare for the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as the Kaaba had a new Kiswah (dress).

Pilgrims will perform the noon and afternoon short combination prayers at Namirah Mosque, following the Sunna of Prophet Mohammad.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Amir of Makkah, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, who is also head of the Central Hajj Committee watched over the pilgrims’ journey to Arafat, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Pilgrims descend from Arafat at sunset to make their way to Muzalifah where they perform the combined Maghrib and Isha prayers and gather pebbles for the last major rite of the Hajj.

They spend the night at Muzalifah, often sleeping in the open air, before leaving for Mina the next morning.

Meanwhile, the annual custom of replacing the Kiswah (the black cloth with golden embroidery covering the Kaaba) took place after dawn prayers today. (T/R07/R0)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)