More than 1.5 million Muslims began the annual hajj pilgrimage in a vast tent city in the holy city of Mecca on Monday in hopes of an end to the wars in the Middle East.
Pilgrims clad in white robes perform seven “tawaf” walks around the Kaaba, the vast black cube of Mecca’s Grand Mosque, arriving at Mina’s sprawling camp by bus or on foot.
The hajj begins as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to send mixed signals on extending a shaky ceasefire with Iran and a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
This year’s ceremony attracted Muslim worshipers from around the world, including from Iran, which follows a series of attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbors.
Saudi officials have been keen to keep tourists away from the conflict, many of whom travel long distances for one of the world’s largest annual pilgrimages.
Despite the uncertainty caused by the conflict, Saudi officials noted over the weekend that more pilgrims will travel from abroad to participate in this year’s hajj than in 2025.
But amid the spiritual euphoria experienced by pilgrims in the days leading up to the hajj, authorities in the kingdom say they are ready.
A video posted by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on social media showed advanced anti-aircraft batteries deployed on the outskirts of Mecca.
“The air defense force is responsible for protecting the skies above the Holy Land, responding to all aerial threats and ensuring the safety and security of guests,” the post read.
Many pilgrims interviewed by AFP expressed hope that peace could be achieved soon.
“The war in Iran affects the whole world. No one wants the war or the country and the people to be harmed,” Mohammed Chahada, an Egyptian in his 50s, said as he walked out of the crowd at the Grand Mosque.
– Ceremony –
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be performed at least once by all able Muslims.
During the Hajj, men wear seamless shroud-like white garments to emphasize unity among believers regardless of their social status or nationality.
Women must wear loose-fitting clothing that exposes only their faces and hands.
The first ritual of Hajj involves walking around the Kaaba, the large black cubic structure at the center of Mecca’s Grand Mosque, seven times.
Next, pilgrims walk seven times between the two mountains of Safa and Malwa.
They then traveled to Mina, about five kilometers away, before the main rituals of the pilgrimage to Mount Arafat.
The highlight of the hajj on Tuesday was a rally on Mount Arafat, about 10 kilometers from Mina, where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon.
The grueling outdoor pilgrimage will take place against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions but will also face sweltering temperatures, with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius for much of the week.
Despite the heat and uncertainty of war, the pilgrims in Mecca were ecstatic.
“I have wanted to make the pilgrimage all my life for 40 or 50 years,” said Jreish Mohammed, 68, wearing traditional clothing from his native Morocco.
“This year, my dream came true.”
High temperature-DS/DC
This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.
