![]() He said he expected authorities to expand quotas for pilgrims next year. Saudi Health Minister Fahad al-Jalajel told state-owned Al-Arabiya TV that authorities had not recorded an “outbreak” of the virus at the hajj, without elaborating on individual cases. With the hajj a major source of prestige and tourism for Saudi Arabia, the government is keen to do away with pandemic restrictions. There were no signs of social distancing in Friday’s mass procession. Infections have increased steadily in the kingdom in recent months. ![]() Saudi Arabia’s Health Ministry urged pilgrims to consider wearing masks to curb the spread of coronavirus, although the government lifted a mask mandate and other virus precautions last month. With so many people from so many places crammed together, public health is a major concern. Tens of thousands of police officers are out in force to protect the areas and control crowds. Pilgrims enter through special electronic gates. In their most noticeable effort to improve access, the Saudis have built a high-speed rail link to ferry masses between holy sites. Saudi authorities never offered a final death toll. In 2016, thousands of pilgrims were crushed to death in a gruesome stampede. The ritual is a notorious chokepoint for surging crowds. Pilgrims stone the devil to signify overcoming temptation. That rite will take place on Saturday in the small village of Mina, where Muslims believe the devil tried to talk Ibrahim out of submitting to God’s will. The rituals began on Thursday with the circling of the Kaaba, the black cube in the center of Mecca’s Grand Mosque, which Muslims around the world face during their daily prayers wherever they are in the world.Īround sunset on Friday, the pilgrims marched or were bused 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) west to the rocky desert of Muzdalifa, where they combed the area for pebbles to carry out the symbolic stoning of the devil. ![]() Pilgrims spend five days carrying out a set of rituals associated with the Prophet Muhammad and the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail, or Abraham and Ishmael in the Bible, before him. This year’s pilgrimage marks the largest since the virus struck, although the attendance by 1 million worshippers remains less than half of the pre-pandemic influx.Īll pilgrims selected to perform the hajj this year are under age 65 and have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Strict pandemic limits had upended the event for the past two years, effectively canceling one of the world’s biggest and most diverse gatherings and devastating many pious Muslims who had waited a lifetime to make the journey. “I cannot describe the happiness that I have.” “God brought me here,” said Khadije Isaac, who traveled to Mount Arafat from Nigeria, her voice clipped with emotion. This is my feeling now - joy, great joy.”Īrmy cuts force size amid unprecedented battle for recruits “I feel I am so close to God,” said Zakaria Mohammad, an Egyptian pilgrim praying as the sky brightened over the hilltop. They remained until nightfall in deep contemplation and worship. The pilgrims set out for Arafat before dawn, chanting as they trekked. Muslims believe prayer on this day at Mount Arafat, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of the holy city of Mecca, is their best chance at salvation and spiritual renewal. The experience sent many pilgrims to tears. Multitudes stood shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet, for the emotional day of supplication in the desert valley where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon, calling for equality and unity among Muslims. As an employer supporter of the Ag Warriors program, Pilgrim's is communicating a commitment to actively recruit and employ talented soldiers that meet our organization’s needs.MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims from around the world raised their hands to heaven and offered prayers of repentance on the sacred hill of Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia on Friday, an intense day of worship considered to be the climax of the annual hajj. Pilgrim's is proud to support the Ag Warriors program, which connects military men and women with career opportunities in agriculture. Such capital, when well managed and supported, allows us to achieve the results required to perpetuate the company. Especially through people, we manage to innovate, create, improve and grow. We understand that Human Capital is our company's most important asset. We believe that one of the main competitive advantages is the quality of our people, that no matter how simple one's position is, people who are skill and motivated make the difference. We are dedicated to providing these wholesome, high-quality products at a great value, allowing everyone to eat well. For over six decades, Pilgrim's has produced healthy, high-quality food products that go into some of the world's finest recipes.
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