The journey of Hajj began with crowds of Muslims wearing white robes walking around the Kaaba; the cube-shaped structure is the epicenter of Islam’s most holy place, with their prayers echoing throughout the air.
The annual pilgrimage started this Sunday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, with the tawaf, or circle of the Kaaba, during an event expected to smash attendance records.
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“This year, we will witness the largest Hajj pilgrimage in history,” said an official from the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia. And Umrah.
A total of 2.5 million Muslims are likely to be affected since the coronavirus restrictions since 2020 have been lifted entirely.
The year before, only 10,000 people could participate; in 2021, 59,000 in the year before; and last year, there was a maximum of one million.
“I am living the most beautiful days of my life,” Abdelazim, the 65-year-old Egyptian who had saved for 20 years to pay the $6000 tuition he required to attend college, informed the AFP news agency on the website.
On Sunday night, pilgrims will make their way towards Mina, approximately 8 km (5 miles) from Mecca’s al-Masjid al-Haram, or the Grand Mosque, before they meet in Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have given his final sermon.
Mina is ready for pilgrims, with food items delivered and security personnel deployed.
The current Hajj is a test and will occur in heat of almost 45 degrees Celsius. The date of the pilgrimage is dependent on the lunar calendar.
Saudi authorities have said that over 32,000 healthcare workers and a plethora of ambulances are available to treat exhaustion, dehydration, heatstroke, and other illnesses.
The Islamic ceremony is required for each capable Muslim adult with the money to attend, making it an integral part of the faith.
The physically and emotionally demanding challenge is intended to cleanse sinful followers and help them become closer to God.
The year is the one in which Hajj takes place between June 26 and July 1, and the festival on Eid al-Adha takes place on June 28.
Although it is a costly ritual, it is a time of celebration. Hajj is often a source of optimism for many, even when they come from regions ravaged by poverty or war. Many people save whatever cash they have over many years to afford the trip.
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The four groups of pilgrims departed Gaza this week. In the meantime, pilgrims from northwestern Syria made their way through border crossings to Turkey. In addition, Yemenis embarked on the first flight direct towards Saudi Arabia since 2016 for the Hajj pilgrimage.
