ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hajj Mission (PHM) has begun orientation sessions for Hajj support staff, known as Moavineen, to equip them with essential knowledge and skills for assisting pilgrims during the critical Hajj days in the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat, and Jamarat.
Deputy Coordinator of Operations Sadaqat Ali said the training sessions began on May 3 and will continue through May 27.
A total of 561 Moavineen have been selected, including 131 Seasonal Duty Staff (SDS) from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. According to Sadaqat Ali, over 430 support personnel serving in transport, accommodation, and food services have already completed orientation.
“The Moavineen were selected through the National Testing Service (NTS), ensuring that all are highly qualified and committed to serving the guests of Allah,” he added. Coordinator Makkah, Zulfiqar Khan, is personally supervising and monitoring their performance.
Regarding logistical arrangements, Sadaqat Ali noted that Pakistani pilgrims have been assigned to 34 Maktabs in Mina, numbered 101 to 134. Seventeen of these are located on Roads 56 and 62, while the remaining 17 are situated near Road 511 Chowk.
He added that pilgrims staying near the Mina railway stations will travel by train, while others will be transported via buses.
Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, reviewed arrangements for transportation, accommodation, and catering for Pakistani pilgrims—especially during the days of Mashair from the 8th to the 12th of Zilhaj.
Overview of the Hajj Journey
The first rite of Hajj is entering ihram, a sacred state that pilgrims adopt upon crossing the Miqat, the designated boundary around Makkah.
- 8th Zilhaj (Day of Tarwiyah): Pilgrims don ihram and proceed to Mina, a tent city 8 km from Makkah. They spend the day in prayer and remembrance of Allah.
- 9th Zilhaj (Day of Arafah): Pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafat to offer combined Zuhr and Asr prayers (two rakats each). A sermon is delivered at Masjid al-Nimra on Mount Arafat. This day holds immense spiritual significance, as referenced in Surah Al-Ma’idah, when Allah declared the perfection of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the fire than on the Day of Arafah.” After sunset, pilgrims head to Muzdalifah, where they perform Maghrib and Isha prayers, shortening Isha to two rakats. They spend the night in rest or worship and collect 70 pebbles for the stoning ritual (Rami).
- 10th Zilhaj (Yawm al-Nahr / Day of Sacrifice): After Fajr prayer, pilgrims return to Mina, reciting Talbiyah. They perform Hady (sacrifice of an animal) and begin the Rami ritual by throwing seven pebbles at Jamarat. Male pilgrims then shave or trim their hair; females trim a fingertip-length of hair, signifying the end of ihram. The day also marks the start of Eid ul-Azha.
- 11th and 12th Zilhaj: Pilgrims continue Rami, throwing 21 pebbles each day at the three Jamarat pillars. These days complete the main rites of Hajj.
The Pakistan Hajj Mission’s ongoing training and oversight are designed to ensure that the support staff are fully prepared to facilitate this sacred journey, providing guidance and assistance to Pakistani pilgrims throughout the spiritual and physically demanding Hajj days.
