Two million Muslims have gathered to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, with crowds standing where Prophet Muhammad gave his final sermon. This marks the largest pilgrimage since 2019, where coronavirus restrictions limited the pilgrimage to just a few thousand.
Every year, millions of Muslims around the world travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. However, last year, only a few thousand people were allowed to participate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, the Saudi government has restricted the number of pilgrims to just 60,000 residents and citizens of the country, all of whom have been fully vaccinated. They underwent quarantine and rigorous testing before being allowed to attend the event, which started on Saturday and will last for five days.
According to reports, the pilgrims stood on Jabal Al Rahma (Mount of Mercy) in Arafat, located 20 kilometers from Mecca, where Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon more than 14 centuries ago. The pilgrims, dressed in white robes, prayed and reaffirmed their faith in God, seeking forgiveness for their sins.
The Hajj pilgrimage is a significant religious event for Muslims, marking unity and equality. It symbolizes the end of any divisions among believers and the beginning of a new spiritual journey.
Despite the risks posed by the pandemic, the Saudi government worked hard to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Authorities have put in place strict health measures, including mandatory face masks and social distancing. Hajj organizers installed thermal cameras and sterilization gates throughout the holy sites to maintain the health and safety of all pilgrims.
Overall, the successful hosting of the Hajj pilgrimage amid the pandemic demonstrates the Saudi government’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of its citizens and visitors while preserving the religious traditions of Islam. By following strict health protocols, the government ensured that the pilgrims were able to perform their religious obligations safely and securely.
