Mecca, May 25: The annual Hajj pilgrimage officially began on Monday in Mecca as more than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world gathered in Saudi Arabia amid intense summer heat and ongoing regional tensions.
According to Saudi officials, pilgrims have been arriving in large numbers over the past several days to perform the sacred rituals of Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The pilgrimage is taking place against the backdrop of continuing tensions in West Asia following the recent Iran conflict and uncertainty surrounding regional security.
Hajj Pilgrims Brave Extreme Heat In Mecca
Pilgrims have been performing Tawaf around the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in sweltering temperatures.
Many worshippers are using umbrellas, handheld fans and water sprays to cope with the extreme heat conditions in Mecca and nearby holy sites.
Volunteers and Saudi authorities have arranged water distribution and cooling facilities to help pilgrims remain hydrated during the pilgrimage.
On the first day of Hajj, pilgrims moved towards Mina, where they will stay in a massive tent city before proceeding to the plains of Arafat for the central rituals of the pilgrimage.
For many Muslims, Hajj is considered a deeply spiritual journey and an opportunity to seek forgiveness and strengthen faith.
Egyptian pilgrim Samya Abdul Moneim described her arrival in Mecca as a blessing and said she felt immense happiness at being able to perform Hajj.
Regional Concerns Surround Hajj Travel
The pilgrimage season comes amid global concerns over instability in West Asia and disruptions linked to tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Authorities in several countries, including Indonesia and India, reportedly took precautionary measures while planning Hajj travel arrangements this year.
Rising fuel prices and travel costs also affected pilgrims travelling from several nations.
Despite the tensions, millions of Muslims from different countries, ethnicities and backgrounds gathered in Mecca, reflecting the global unity associated with the annual pilgrimage.
The main Hajj rituals will continue over the next few days, including prayers at Arafat and symbolic rituals in Mina.
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