Muslims worldwide rejoiced as two million pilgrims embarked on the annual Hajj pilgrimage, marking the event’s return to full capacity since the start of the coronavirus pandemic three years ago. After circling the holy Kaaba in Mecca, the pilgrims spent a day and night of prayer in a vast tent camp in the nearby desert, observing one of the world’s largest religious gatherings and a pillar of Islam.
The Hajj pilgrimage requires all capable Muslims to participate at least once in their lifetime, making it a significant source of pride for the Saudi royal family, which has held Mecca since the 1920s. However, the event has also faced immense tragedies in the past, such as the 2015 stampede that resulted in over 2,400 fatalities.
Due to COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, only a few thousand local residents and citizens participated in the Hajj pilgrimage, which was a sharp contrast to the 2.5 million participants in 2019. Therefore, the recent return to full capacity was a momentous occasion for Muslims worldwide.
The Hajj’s rituals mainly reflect the Quran’s accounts of Ibrahim, his son Ismail, and Ismail’s mother Hajar. The ritual walk between two hills represents Hajar’s search for water in the desert for Ismail, emphasizing the significance of sacrifice and seeking blessings from Allah.
The Hajj pilgrimage will conclude with the festive Eid al-Adha holiday, during which Muslims worldwide slaughter livestock and distribute meat to the poor. This practice highlights the importance of charity and sharing with those in need.
While the Hajj pilgrimage is a significant cultural and religious event for Muslims worldwide, it has also been a source of controversy due to the strict limitations imposed on pilgrims and their movements during the event. Despite its drawbacks, the pilgrimage brings people of different backgrounds and cultures together and serves as a reminder of the universal nature of humanity’s search for meaning and purpose.
