The vast majority of the South African Hujjaj will begin leaving the precincts of the Haram in Makkah Mukarramah today to take up residence about 5 kilometers away in apartment complexes located in Azizia.

Over 1, 4 million foreign pilgrims have already entered the Saudi Kingdom to participate in the Hajj. They will join at least another 1,5 million locals in completing the rights of the pilgrimage.

Muslims have to perform the Hajj at least once in a life time provided they have the means.

Speaking from Makkah, Cii presenter Moulana Moosa Leher noted the growing crowds in Makkah forcing one to get into the Haram at least one hour prior to the time of Salaah.

The actual Hajj process will begin on Wednesday, October 25, when the pilgrims will make their way to the tent city of Mina. After spending the night in prayer and meditation they leave early on Thursday morning to the plains surrounding Mount Arafat, reaching the climax of their spiritual journey during the afternoon and early evening before sunset.

The pilgrims then head back to Makkah where they complete the remaining rights.

At present Hujjaj are in the preparation phase with the vast majority unaware of what lies ahead of them. “There’s a lot of nervousness. People are once again opening their books to guide them to the the hajj. They are reading and researching and lots of questions are being asked to the scholars. As far as the Ulema of South Africa are concerned they are doing a tremendous job in every group.”