Riyadh Welcomes Millions of Muslim Pilgrims for Annual Hajj
In Makkah, Muslim pilgrims kicked off the annual Hajj pilgrimage by converging on a vast tent camp called Mina. Before their journey, they circled the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site.
Record Number of Pilgrims Expected to Exceed 2 Million
More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world have already gathered in and around Makkah for the Hajj, with the number expected to exceed 2 million this year. The pilgrimage comes amidst the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Palestinian militants.
Challenges Faced by Palestinian and Syrian Pilgrims
Palestinians in Gaza were unable to travel to Makkah for Hajj this year due to the closure of the Rafah crossing. Syrian pilgrims, on the other hand, traveled to Makkah on direct flights from Damascus for the first time in over a decade.
Spiritual Experience and Rituals of the Hajj
The Hajj pilgrimage is a moving spiritual experience for Muslims, uniting over 2 billion followers of Islam. Pilgrims undertake rituals that commemorate the accounts of Prophet Ibrahim, his son Prophet Ismail, and Ismail’s mother Hajar.
Security Measures and Challenges Faced by Pilgrims
Saudi authorities have implemented security restrictions in and around Makkah to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Those without Hajj permits are prevented from reaching the holy sites, with strict penalties in place for offenders.
Enduring the Elements and Completing the Hajj
Pilgrims face extreme temperatures during the Hajj, with temperatures reaching up to 48 Celsius at the holy sites. Despite the challenging conditions, pilgrims persevere through the rituals, including the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil.
Return to Monumental Scale After Pandemic Restrictions
After three years of heavy restrictions due to the pandemic, the annual pilgrimage has returned to its monumental scale. In 2023, over 1.8 million pilgrims performed Hajj, approaching the levels seen in 2019.
(With AP)