Over 1.5 million Muslims from around the world have gathered in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage started on June 4.
Participants are heading to the city of Mina.
Temperatures are soaring above 40 degrees Celsius.
Saudi officials are working to manage the crowds.
They’ve planted 10,000 new trees to provide shade.
Emergency medical units have been tripled.
This is to prevent heat strokes and exhaustion.
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam.
It’s a spiritual journey that Muslims must take if they’re physically and financially able.
The pilgrimage lasts five days.
It covers visits to holy sites like Mina, Mount Arafat, and Mecca.
Preparations and Challenges
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been preparing for the event.
They’ve made arrangements to accommodate the large number of pilgrims.
The ministry’s spokesman, Ghassan Al-Nuaimi, announced that over 1.5 million international pilgrims have arrived.
However, the number of domestic pilgrims has not been disclosed.
The Saudi government has taken steps to ensure the pilgrims’ safety and comfort.
These measures include increasing the number of medical facilities and providing more shade.
The government is also working to reduce the risks associated with the extreme heat.
Pilgrimage Route and Activities
The Hajj pilgrimage involves a series of rituals and visits to sacred sites.
Pilgrims will travel to Mina, Mount Arafat, and other holy locations.
They will perform various rites and prayers, including the iconic circle around the Kaaba in Mecca.
The pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many Muslims, and it’s considered a critical part of their spiritual journey.
- The pilgrimage starts in Mina, where pilgrims spend the night in tents.
- The next day, they travel to Mount Arafat, where they pray and ask for forgiveness.
- After sunset, they head to Muzdalifah, where they collect pebbles for a ritual stone-throwing ceremony.
- The pilgrimage ends in Mecca, where pilgrims perform the final rites and depart.
The Hajj is a significant event in the Islamic calendar, and it’s a time of great spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide.
As the pilgrimage continues, millions of people will come together to celebrate their faith and perform the sacred rituals.