Over 1.8 million Muslims begin Hajj pilgrimage

The Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) said a total of 1,611,310 pilgrims come from outside foreign pilgrims with some 221,854 from Saudi Arabia.

Crowds donning white robes and performing the arrival Tawaf at Masjid Al Haram before heading to Mina on buses and on foot to spend the night in the massive tent city.

Enveloped in spiritual fervor, pilgrims chanted, “God is great” and “God, we answer your call,” retracing the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions from over 1,400 years ago.

After spending the night at Mina, they climbed Mount Arafat on Saturday, where they remained until sunset, marking the peak of the Hajj journey.

The pilgrimage involves significant physical exertion, as pilgrims have to move on foot between five to 15 kilometers per day on average to perform the rituals of various sites.

It serves as a test of patience and presents challenges on spiritual, emotional, and physical levels. Adequate preparation is often necessary, as for many, it represents a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Hajj pilgrimage is one of the aspects of Islam, and all Muslims are required to perform it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so.

The pilgrimage consists of a series of religious rites that are completed over five days in Mecca and surrounding areas of western Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrimage culminates in Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice.