As the annual Hajj pilgrimage reaches its spiritual peak, Muslim faithful from across the globe have converged in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to partake in one of Islam’s most significant rites, the Day of Tarwiyah. Marking the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah, this day signifies the official beginning of the Hajj rituals and serves as a spiritual prelude to the sacred journey ahead.
According to historical Islamic traditions, the Day of Tarwiyah is deeply rooted in the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him). The term “Tarwiyah” is believed to have originated from the Arabic word rawa, which means “to quench thirst,” as pilgrims in ancient times would prepare for the upcoming journey by gathering enough water and provisions before setting out for Mina. Though modern conveniences have eased some of these preparations, the spiritual essence remains undiluted.
In line with this, KIIN360 gathers that Nigerian pilgrims, under the coordination of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), joined over a million other Muslims from various nations on Tuesday morning to observe the Day of Tarwiyah. Clad in their white ihram garments, pilgrims moved in orderly fashion towards Mina, approximately 7 kilometers from the Grand Mosque in Makkah. This temporary city, set up with over 100,000 air-conditioned tents, becomes their base for the night as they prepare their hearts and minds for the following day at Arafat, widely regarded as the climax of the Hajj.
While at Mina, pilgrims engage in fervent prayers, recitations of the Qur’an, and spiritual reflection. No major rites are performed on this day beyond the observance of Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr prayers in a shortened format, as per Hajj regulations. The goal is to focus the soul on repentance, submission, and readiness for the monumental gathering at Arafat.
Saudi authorities have, once again, deployed thousands of personnel to ensure crowd control, health services, and the welfare of all pilgrims, including Nigerians. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah disclosed that this year’s operations feature advanced tracking systems, AI-supported security, and multilingual support to assist the over 160 nationalities in attendance.
NAHCON, on its part, confirmed that all Nigerian pilgrims were successfully transported to Mina without incident, lauding the Saudi logistics and the cooperation of Nigerian state pilgrims’ boards. Medical teams are also stationed strategically to address any health concerns, especially considering the high temperatures forecasted during this year’s pilgrimage, which may soar above 40 degrees Celsius.
As the sun sets over Mina and the chants of Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk fill the air, millions of pilgrims, including thousands from Nigeria, brace for the pivotal Day of Arafat. The spiritual journey that began on the Day of Tarwiyah continues, symbolizing obedience, humility, and a rekindled connection with the Divine.