Over 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims have converged in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for Hajj, within the grim context of Israel’s relentless assault on Gaza.
The ritual commenced on Friday, with throngs of robed devotees making their loops around the Kaaba, the black cubic structure in Mecca’s Grand Mosque, deeply saddened by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
“Our kin are perishing, and we see it with our own eyes,” remarked 75-year-old Zahra Benizahra from Morocco.
Due to the closure of the Rafah crossing in May, when Israel intensified its thrust into Rafah, Palestinians in Gaza were unable to journey to Mecca this year.
Officials confirmed that 4,200 individuals from the West Bank reached Mecca for Hajj. Additionally, 1,000 more Palestinians, kin of those slain or injured in the conflict already outside Gaza before the closure, received an invitation from Saudi King Salman.
Nevertheless, Saudi minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah, overseeing the pilgrimage, asserted last week that “no political activity” would be permissible during the gathering.
This year marks a milestone as Syrian pilgrims arrive in Mecca directly from Damascus for the first time in over ten years, reflecting a warming relationship between Saudi Arabia and war-torn Syria.
Previously, Syrians from rebel territories had endured arduous trips across the Turkish border to reach Mecca.
Unifying Muslims
Hajj, one of the largest religious convocations globally, encompasses several days of elaborate rituals in and around Mecca, located in western Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities expect the pilgrim count to surpass two million this year.
This spiritual journey, one of Islam’s five pillars, is a mandatory act of worship that all financially and physically capable Muslims must undertake at least once in their lifetime.
Many have awaited the opportunity for years, with permits distributed by Saudi authorities using country-specific quotas.
Nonaartina Hajipaoli, 50, from Brunei, expressed her gratitude, telling AFP she felt fortunate to be among the 1,000 pilgrims from Southeast Asia this year.
“I’m at a loss for words; it’s indescribable,” she shared.
The pilgrims begin by performing the tawaf – encircling the Kaaba seven times.
Next, they journey to Mina, a valley surrounded by rugged mountains several kilometers from Mecca, to stay in air-conditioned tents.
The pinnacle is a full day of prayer on Mount Arafat on Saturday, where Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon.
This pilgrimage is a profound spiritual event for many, believed to cleanse sins and foster a deeper connection with God while uniting more than two billion Muslims worldwide.
It also provides a moment to pray for peace in war-torn Muslim nations, such as Yemen and Sudan, where conflicts have led to massive displacement crises.
Scorching Heat
As in recent years, this year’s pilgrimage unfolds during Saudi Arabia’s blistering summer, with anticipated temperature highs of 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit).
Mohammed al-Abdulali, the Saudi Ministry of Health’s spokesperson, detailed to AFP this week that over 10,000 cases of heat-related illnesses were recorded last year, including heat strokes.
Measures to combat the heat include misting systems and heat-reflective road surfaces.
A text alert sent to pilgrims on Thursday urged them to “hydrate regularly, more than 2 liters a day” and “always carry an umbrella,” warning that temperatures might reach up to 48C (118F).
