Thousands of pilgrims were forced to walk from Muzdalifah to Mina due to traffic jams

About Semarang, Muzdalifah – Thousands of pilgrims from various countries, including Indonesia, were forced to walk from Muzdalifah to Mina due to the transport buses that did not come.

Total congestion in the Muzdalifah area makes many buses unable to reach the pickup point of pilgrims, so they have to continue the journey as far as about 4 kilometers on foot.

“We along with hundreds of worshipers from Indonesia were forced to walk since Bakda Fajr and arrived at the pilgrims’ tents in Mina around 09.00 Saudi Arabia (WAS). Alhamdulillah, all pilgrims were in good health and survivors,” said the head of the group of 5 groups 31 SOC, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Rofiq Ma, Friday (6/6/2025) night.

Chairman of KBIHU Ar-Raudhoh Semarang, KH Moh Affandi, also confirmed the incident. He explained that traffic jams at Muzdalifah occurred from early morning until before dawn.

Many buses are scheduled to pick up pilgrims unable to enter the Muzdalifah area.

“Pilgrims are still dressed in ihram many who leave the Muzdalifah area. They spilled on the side of the road to Mina. Some of them chose to walk to Mina,” explained Kiai Affandi.

According to Kiai Affandi, the murur buses that came from Arafat were stuck in traffic at the end of Muzdalifah, near the Mina border.

“My group from Arafat began to move at 01.30 in the morning,” he said.

Even so, he is still grateful for the smooth journey of some worshipers. “We enjoy the process of this trip. All of this is part of the Qadr and Iradat of Allah SWT,” he said.

Prof. Rofiq revealed that a similar incident had occurred in the Hajj season 2023. Although Muzdalifah-Mina’s mileage was relatively close, around 3.5-4 kilometers, the physical condition of pilgrims who had been exhausted after the wukuf in Arafat could trigger problems, especially for the elderly and who had a high risk.

“For young worshipers, this trip is not a problem. But for the elderly, very heavy, especially while carrying luggage,” he explained.

The head of the KBIHNU Semarang, Drs KH Ahmad Hadlor Ihsan, made sure the 252 fostered pilgrims survived Mina. However, one group totaling around 50 people led by Gufron Hamzah was forced to walk because he did not get a bus.

“Be thankful, thank God for your grace,” he said.

Hajj officers from the city of Semarang, Busro, said that his group of 362 people used a murur scheme, so that the trip went smoothly.

“We moved from Arafat at 01.00 in the morning, arriving at Muzdalifah at 02.00, and entered Mina at 3:00 in the morning. Alhamdulillah there was no problem,” he said.

According to Busro, the group of Gufron Hamzah might arrive earlier at Muzdalifah and must be more longer, so it was affected by congestion.

“We are very grateful because the facilities in Arafat and Mina are very good. Food, drinks, and MCK facilities are adequate. Even a lot of consumption that we did not spend because it was very abundant,” concluded Busro. ***