Millions of Muslims around the world have gathered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage without COVID restrictions for the first time in three years. An estimated two million foreigners have come to the city, which serves as a pilgrimage site to several Muslim holy sites, including the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure considered the most sacred place in Islam.
This year the pilgrimage will be held at full capacity without restrictions. Pilgrims will not need to show COVID-19 vaccination certificates or negative PCR tests, unlike last year. The transport minister has stated that everything is ready, including transport services, health facilities, and road cooling systems. Drones will also be employed for transportation, blood-sample transportation, traffic control, and road inspection.
The pilgrims will have 1,000 electric scooters and 24,000 buses for transportation between the sacred sites. Six international airports are designated for pilgrims’ arrival and departure, including Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Istanbul Airport.
The Hajj is known as one of the pillars of Islam and is mandatory to perform at least once in the lifetime of every Muslim. The journey includes visits to sacred places throughout Mecca and the city of Medina, where Prophet Muhammad and the religion he preached more than a thousand years ago were born. The pilgrimage is also an opportunity for pilgrims to visit holy places like Jabal al-Raḥmah, Muzdalifah, and Mina, where animal sacrifices are made in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice.
The Hajj is perceived to be an opportunity for Muslims across the globe to wipe away their sins, get closer to Allah, and highlight Muslim unity. The government is providing numerous facilities and incentives to aid the pilgrims’ successful completion of the Hajj pilgrimage, and each requires a significant amount of investment.
In conclusion, the Hajj pilgrimage has returned to Saudi Arabia without COVID restrictions, and all necessary preparations have been made. The pilgrimage serves as a reminder of unity, religious obligation, and love. The event is appreciated and celebrated around the world by Muslims.
