More than 1.5 million foreign Muslims have arrived in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The pilgrims, who have come from across the world, will be joined by hundreds of thousands of Saudis and others living in Saudi Arabia when the pilgrimage officially begins on Friday.
The number of pilgrims this year is expected to exceed 2023’s total, with officials hoping to reach pre-pandemic levels.
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and requires Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
The event typically draws millions of people to Mecca, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. This year’s pilgrimage is particularly significant, as it marks a return to the traditional large-scale gathering after COVID-19 restrictions limited the number of participants for the past two years.
Preparations in Mecca are extensive, with facilities and services ready to accommodate the large number of pilgrims. Safety measures are also in place to ensure a smooth and secure experience for everyone involved.
The Hajj will officially begin on Friday, and pilgrims will engage in various religious rituals over the following days, including circling the Kaaba and walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
The pilgrimage will culminate with the celebration of Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, which commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
