ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia – Over 7,000 Thai Muslims have gathered at the Plain of Arafat in Saudi Arabia to participate in the most important ritual of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Thai authorities reported that 7,033 Thai pilgrims joined millions of Muslims worldwide for the six-day religious event, which began on May 25. The atmosphere at Arafat remained peaceful and devout as pilgrims prayed, listened to the sermon, and performed the combined Dhuhr and Asr prayer. Sheikhul Islam of Thailand Arun Boonchom, the Amir al-Hajj and official leader of the Thai Hajj delegation, delivered a spiritual lecture on achieving a Hajj Mabrur, emphasizing the values of a righteous and accepted pilgrimage.
After sunset, the pilgrims proceeded to Muzdalifah to perform evening prayers and collect pebbles. They will then move to Mina for the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual. The pilgrimage concludes with the farewell Tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. According to Saudi Arabian authorities, this year’s Hajj season welcomed a total of 1,707,301 pilgrims globally. This figure comprises 160,646 domestic pilgrims and 1,546,655 international visitors representing 165 countries. The Saudi government has deployed more than 441,040 personnel to ensure safety and facilitate operations throughout the holy sites. (NNT)
