Pilgrims from all over the world are arriving in Saudi Arabia ahead of the upcoming Hajj season. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has shared striking pictures of pilgrims from different countries making their way to Mecca and Medina. Hajj is set to commence on June 26, but it will depend on the official announcement by the authorities. This year’s pilgrimage will see approximately 2.6 million Muslims come together to perform the Islamic ritual for the first time since COVID-19.
In a recent report, Indonesian pilgrim Mohammed Daoud had suffered from an 8-minute cardiac arrest, but with the help of Saudi medical teams, he was saved. Their prompt response and expertise saved the life of the pilgrim, who had come to Saudi Arabia to perform the hajj.
The pilgrimage is considered one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is compulsory for all Muslims who can afford it once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage is a significant event in the annual Islamic calendar, attracting millions of Muslims from different parts of the world. The event takes place every year, but the number of pilgrims has been significantly reduced since the outbreak of COVID-19.
The Saudi Arabian authorities have taken strict measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims. They have limited the number of domestic and international pilgrims this year to 60,000 citizens and residents within the Kingdom, while 40,000 pilgrims will be from abroad. This measure is to contain the spread of COVID-19 and prevent any possible outbreaks.
The Hajj is a unique time when Muslims from all over the world come together to engage in a spiritual journey. It is a time to reflect on one’s faith and renew connections with fellow believers. Despite the difficult challenges faced, the outlook for this year’s Hajj is positive. Muslims from around the world look forward to the Hajj with eager anticipation.