Pilgrims Gather in Saudi Arabia for Hajj

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a religious duty that every Muslim who is physically and financially able must undertake at least once in their lifetime. This year, more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj rituals. The event is occurring during a period of high temperatures, prompting authorities to implement enhanced safety measures to protect participants. These measures include increased medical support, hydration stations, and crowd management protocols. The Hajj pilgrimage involves a series of specific rituals performed over several days, including the Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina. Saudi authorities have a long history of organizing the event to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims from around the world, focusing on health, safety, and logistical support. The gathering is significant both spiritually for Muslims and logistically for Saudi Arabia, as it requires extensive planning and coordination.