The biggest Hajj pilgrimage in years began at Mecca’s Grand Mosque with hundreds of thousands of Muslims from around the world.
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2.5 Million Pilgrims
Attendance records may be broken at the holy site, where over two million faithful are expected to gather from 160 countries. Over 2.5 million foreigners are expected to arrive this year, 1.6 million of whom have already arrived. Performing the Hajj at least once in one’s lifetime is an important Islamic tradition.
Various rites are performed during the four-day Hajj. The Muslim prayers begin with a circling of the Kaaba, known as the “tawaf.” Once in Mina, pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for the Hajj’s climax. There are ample food supplies and increased security measures in Mina to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
It was a joy and a blessing to be able to participate in the Hajj, pilgrims expressed their gratitude. For years, people from all walks of life have saved to achieve this goal, including Saeed Abdel Azim, an Egyptian retiree.
Strict Security
Paramedics and security personnel ensured the safety of worshippers outside the Grand Mosque. There are challenges involved in the Hajj, but pilgrims remain focused on the significance of the event.
Billions of Dollars
Besides being a spiritual pilgrimage, the Hajj provides Saudi Arabia with economic benefits as well. Thousands of pilgrims visit the country every year, bringing billions of dollars into the economy.
There will be more Hajj pilgrims this year than there have been since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Mecca and Madinah hotels are full as a result of the removal of restrictions.
Additionally, unaccompanied women are now allowed to join the Hajj due to social reforms in Saudi Arabia.
Thousands of Muslims from around the world have gathered in Mecca for the largest Hajj pilgrimage in recent years. Despite the summer heat, the rituals are being performed with enthusiasm and devotion.
Spiritually and economically, the Hajj benefits Saudi Arabia and showcases social reforms.
What does Hajj do?
Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims that brings spiritual cleansing and reinforces the notion of Muslim unity. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all capable Muslims to perform it at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is a journey that promises to wipe away sins and brings one closer to Allah.
How many days does Hajj last?
Hajj lasts for five to six days, typically between the 8th to 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. This annual Islamic pilgrimage attracts millions of Muslims from around the world to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to complete a series of religious rituals. Plan ahead, as Hajj dates vary based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
What does it mean to go to Hajj?
Going to Hajj means undertaking a religious pilgrimage to Makkah as a mandatory practice for Muslims. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it involves performing a set of rituals at specific locations. Every year, millions of Muslims from different parts of the world travel to Makkah to perform Hajj.
What are the rules of Hajj?
In order to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, there are a set of rules that one must follow. These include bathing and wearing the Ihram (special white clothes) at the entry station to the Hajj, making the intention for Umra, and reciting the Talbiya Du’a (prayer). The pilgrimage involves a journey with specific rites and rituals to be carried out along the way.
