More than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia to begin the annual Hajj, one of Islam's Five Pillars, according to multiple reports. The pilgrimage officially started on Monday amid regional tensions and a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war.
Key Takeaways
The annual Hajj pilgrimage has begun in Saudi Arabia with over 1.5 million Muslims participating amid regional tensions and a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war. The event, one of Islam's Five Pillars, brings together diverse groups of believers seeking spiritual renewal. - Over 1.5 million pilgrims arrived from outside Saudi Arabia for Hajj - Pilgrimage occurs against backdrop of Middle East tensions and Iran war ceasefire - Israeli blockade prevents Gaza Muslims from participating for third year - Hajj involves rituals like circling the Kaaba and standing on the plain of Arafat
The rituals began with pilgrims circling the cube-shaped Kaaba at Mecca's Grand Mosque before moving to a vast tent camp in the nearby desert. Volunteers are providing water bottles, handheld fans, and mist sprays to help pilgrims cope with sweltering temperatures as they perform religious rites over several days.
According to NPR, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a deal with Iran on the war has been 'largely negotiated,' including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This potential agreement comes after weeks of heightened tensions and military actions in the region. The pilgrimage is taking place against this backdrop of uncertainty.
Al Jazeera reports that for the third consecutive year, Israeli restrictions have prevented Muslims from Gaza from participating in Hajj. Over 10,000 Gazans have been blocked from performing the pilgrimage due to border closures and military offensives. The Palestinian Center for Political Studies describes this as a 'structural economic genocide' affecting religious tourism and local livelihoods.
The Hajj brings together Muslims of diverse backgrounds in a spiritual journey that includes seeking forgiveness, praising God on the plain of Arafat, and performing rituals like tawaf around the Kaaba. The pilgrimage is required once in a lifetime for those who can afford and physically perform it. Eid al-Adha will begin during Hajj, marking Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.
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