Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, officially opened on Friday as over 1.5 million Muslims converged on Mecca, Saudi Arabia, amidst the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. The annual pilgrimage, which is a mandatory spiritual journey for all Muslims who are physically and financially able, saw pilgrims from around the world arrive in Mecca, with the number expected to exceed 2 million this year.

Pilgrims Arrive Amid Conflict

The Hajj pilgrimage took place against the backdrop of the raging war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militants. The conflict has pushed the entire Middle East to the brink of a regional war between Israel and its allies on one side and Iran-backed militant groups on the other. Palestinians in Gaza were unable to travel to Mecca for Hajj due to the closure of the Rafah crossing in May.

Saudi Authorities Implement Security Measures

Saudi authorities implemented security restrictions in and around Mecca to prevent unauthorised individuals from reaching the holy sites. Checkpoints were set up on roads leading to the city, and many people who attempted to take pilgrims to Mecca without permits were arrested and expelled from the country. Travel agents who facilitated unauthorized pilgrimages faced up to six months in jail.

Pilgrims Perform Rituals

Male pilgrims wore unstitched white sheets, known as an ihram, while women dressed conservatively and forgoed makeup and perfume. They performed the ritual circuit around the cube-shaped Kaaba in the Grand Mosque, counter-clockwise, since arriving in Mecca over recent days. The pilgrims then moved to Mina, officially opening the Hajj, and will spend the next few days performing various rituals, including a daylong vigil on Mount Arafat and the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil.

Health Concerns

The Health Ministry cautioned that temperatures in the holy sites could reach 48 Celsius (118 Fahrenheit), with many pilgrims carrying umbrellas against the burning sun. The pilgrimage is a significant spiritual experience for Muslims, who believe it absolves sins and brings them closer to God, while uniting the world’s more than 2 billion Muslims.

Historical Significance

The Hajj is a commemoration of the Quran’s accounts of Prophet Ibrahim, his son Prophet Ismail, and Ismail’s mother Hajar. The rituals are largely centered around the Grand Mosque, where pilgrims perform the ritual circuit around the Kaaba. The pilgrimage is a significant event in the Islamic calendar, with the time of year varying given that it is set for five days in the second week of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Hajj pilgrimage, which is a mandatory spiritual journey for all Muslims who are physically and financially able, has begun in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, amidst the ongoing war in Gaza. Over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Mecca, with the number expected to exceed 2 million this year. The pilgrimage is a significant spiritual experience for Muslims, who believe it absolves sins and brings them closer to God, while uniting the world’s more than 2 billion Muslims.