Hajj 2025: Around 2 Million Muslims Gather in Mecca – Key Rituals, Dress Code, and Weather Conditions

Hajj 2025 saw around 2 million Muslims from 180 countries converge in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, beginning on June 4 and concluding on June 8. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage includes a series of rituals that commemorate the actions of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, such as Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), standing at Arafat, and the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina. Pilgrims are required to wear simple, white garments known as Ihram, which symbolize purity and equality before God. The event takes place during the summer in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), presenting challenging conditions for participants. Saudi authorities typically implement extensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims, including crowd management, medical services, and provisions for hydration. The Hajj is a significant religious, cultural, and logistical event, drawing Muslims from diverse backgrounds and serving as a major occasion in the Islamic calendar.