Over 1.5 million Muslims started filling an enormous tent metropolis within the holy metropolis of Mecca on Monday for an annual hajj pilgrimage carried out in opposition to the backdrop of hopes for an finish to the warfare within the Center East.
The white-robed pilgrims on buses or on foot arrived on the sprawling encampment in Mina after performing the “tawaf” — strolling seven instances across the Kaaba, the large black dice at Mecca’s Grand Mosque.
The beginning of the hajj got here as US President Donald Trump continued to ship combined indicators over a attainable settlement to increase an uneasy ceasefire with Iran and a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
This 12 months’s rites, drawing Muslim worshippers from the world over, together with Iran, comply with waves of Iranian assaults on targets in Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours.
Saudi officers have been eager to maintain battle removed from the minds of tourists, many whom have travelled lengthy distances for one of many world’s largest annual pilgrimages.
Regardless of the uncertainty triggered by the battle, Saudi officers famous over the weekend that extra pilgrims had travelled from overseas to take part on this 12 months’s hajj than in 2025.
However, amid the non secular euphoria skilled by the pilgrims within the days forward of the hajj, authorities within the kingdom signalled their readiness.
A video posted on social media by the Saudi defence ministry confirmed superior air defence batteries positioned on the outskirts of Mecca.
“The air defence forces are chargeable for defending the skies over the holy websites and coping with all aerial threats, guaranteeing the security and peace of thoughts of the company,” learn the put up.
Many pilgrims who spoke to AFP expressed their hope that peace would prevail quickly.
“The warfare in Iran has affected your complete world. No person desires wars or hurt to nations and peoples,” mentioned Mohammed Chahada, an Egyptian in his 50s, as he walked by a crowd exiting the Grand Mosque.
– Rituals –
The hajj, one of many 5 pillars of Islam, have to be carried out no less than as soon as by all Muslims with the means.
Throughout the hajj, males put on a seamless shroud-like white garment that emphasises unity amongst believers no matter their social standing or nationality.
Ladies should put on unfastened attire, exposing solely their faces and palms.
The primary ritual of the Hajj requires strolling seven instances across the Kaaba, the big black cubic construction on the centre of Mecca’s Grand Mosque.
Pilgrims subsequent stroll seven instances between the 2 hills of Safa and Marwa.
They then transfer on to Mina, round 5 kilometres (three miles) away, forward of the principle ceremony of the pilgrimage at Mount Arafat.
On Tuesday, the climax of the hajj is the gathering on Mount Arafat, about 10 kilometres from Mina, the place it’s believed the Prophet Mohammed delivered his remaining sermon.
The arduous, out of doors pilgrimage will likely be held in opposition to the backdrop of geopolitical tensions but additionally below punishing warmth, with temperatures forecast to prime 40C for a lot of the week.
Regardless of the warmth and the uncertainty over the warfare, pilgrims in Mecca have been ecstatic.
“I’ve wished to carry out the pilgrimage my complete life, for 40 or 50 years,” mentioned Jreish Mohammed, a 68-year-old decked out within the conventional apparel from his native Morocco.
“And this 12 months, my dream got here true.”
