More than 2 million Muslims from all across the globe have descended upon Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s annual hajj pilgrimage in and around the holy city of Mecca. This year’s hajj season began on Monday and Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha on the third day of the pilgrimage, which falls on Wednesday. Muslims celebrate by sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep, to symbolize Prophet Abraham’s devotion to Allah. This year, despite significant economic crises and armed conflicts in the region, the spirit of the holiday is strong, and Muslims are determined to celebrate the Eid.
Saudi Arabian authorities are expecting more than 2.6 million pilgrims this year, even larger than pre-pandemic levels. Approximately 87,550 of those pilgrims will be Iranians, according to Iran’s official media, up from 39,635 the previous year. The relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been historically strained, especially since the 2015 hajj season, when over 2,000 pilgrims were killed in a stampede in Mina, near Mecca. Nearly 500 of the victims were Iranian, and Tehran accused the Saudi authorities of incompetence and failing to ensure the pilgrim’s safety.
Despite the adversity, Muslims across the Middle East are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Adha. In the Palestinian territories and Egypt, scores of worshippers filled mosques, while families wandered decorated streets and public gardens. In Syria, where years of war have devastated the economy, charities in Damascus have mobilized efforts to help the less fortunate. Additionally, Arab pilgrims poured into neighboring Lebanon, coinciding with the Eid, as Beirut International Airport sees heavy traffic on the eve of the holiday. According to the state National News Agency, some 356,203 visitors have arrived in the small Mediterranean country since the beginning of June, bringing much-needed cash into a country that has been reeling under a crippling economic and financial crisis.
This year’s Muslim holiday also coincides with significant realignments happening in the region. These include the rapprochement between Iran and the countries of the region, as well as Syria’s return to the Arab fold. On Tuesday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received Eid al-Adha greetings from his Egyptian counterpart in a phone call.
Overall spirit is very high among Muslims from different countries as they gather in Saudi Arabia to perform hajj and celebrate Eid al-Adha despite the ongoing adversities. Muslims are determined to preserve this cherished tradition and continue to demonstrate their faith, resilience, and solidarity with one another.
