Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the devastating Israel-Hamas war
6 months, 1 week ago

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the devastating Israel-Hamas war

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims in the Saudi city of Mecca converged on a vast desert tent camp Friday, officially starting the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Muslim pilgrims arrive at the Mina tent camp during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday, June 14, 2024. Pilgrims leave after offering prayers outside at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, early Friday, June 14, 2024. Tents for Muslim pilgrims fill the Mina tent camp as Muslim pilgrims arrive during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday, June 14, 2024.

Islam Hajj Pilgrimage Egypt Saudi Arabia Palestinian Muslims Gaza Israel Saudi Syrian Gaza Strip Arabia Mecca Tent Holy Pilgrims Saudi Authorities Muslim Pilgrims Hajj Permits War Mina  tent  backdrop  pilgrimage  war  mina  holy  hajj  mecca  devastating  arabia  ap  start  israelhamas  muslims  pilgrims  saudi

History of this topic

What went wrong with the Hajj pilgrimage this year? | Explained
5 months, 2 weeks ago

What went wrong with the Hajj pilgrimage this year? | Explained

The Hindu  

The story so far: Hajj, a gathering of nearly two million Muslim pilgrims, which falls in the last month of the Islamic calendar, has been in news again. The authorities issued Hajj visas to a little more than 18 lakh people but the Hajj was undertaken by over two million pilgrims. The Saudi authorities insisted that most pilgrims with valid …

More than 1,300 people died during Hajj, many of them after walking in the scorching heat
6 months ago

More than 1,300 people died during Hajj, many of them after walking in the scorching heat

Associated Press  

CAIRO — More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, Saudi authorities announced Sunday. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform …

Over 1,000 pilgrims died during Hajj this year due to record-breaking heatwaves, nearly 100 from India
6 months ago

Over 1,000 pilgrims died during Hajj this year due to record-breaking heatwaves, nearly 100 from India

India TV News  

Cairo: More than 1,000 people died during this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to scorching-hot temperatures across the Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, according to officials. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs had clarified that a total of 98 Indian pilgrims had died during the Hajj yatra in Saudi Arabia. Unauthorised travel to Saudi Arabia …

Death toll at Hajj pilgrimage rises to 1,300 amid scorching temperatures
6 months ago

Death toll at Hajj pilgrimage rises to 1,300 amid scorching temperatures

LA Times  

Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, on Monday during the annual Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, Saudi authorities said Sunday. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel …

Climate change has made the Hajj pilgrimage more risky
6 months ago

Climate change has made the Hajj pilgrimage more risky

The Hindu  

Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world embark on the haj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The 2024 haj pilgrimage has been overshadowed by disaster/tragedy, with the death of at least 900 pilgrims, mostly due to heat exhaustion and related complications. High temperatures make mass gatherings riskier A study documenting deaths and injuries at mass gatherings up …

Hundreds died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say
6 months ago

Hundreds died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Hundreds of people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced intense high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, officials said Wednesday as people tried to claim their loved ones’ bodies. Khalid Bashir Bazaz, an Indian pilgrim, speaking near the Grand Mosque on Wednesday, said he “saw a …

Hundreds died during Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say
6 months ago

Hundreds died during Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say

LA Times  

Muslim pilgrims shield themselves against the sun with umbrellas as they attend the annual Hajj in Mina, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Hundreds of people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced intense high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, officials said Wednesday as people tried to claim their loved …

At least 550 Hajj pilgrims die in scorching temperatures and thousands more treated for heat stress
6 months ago

At least 550 Hajj pilgrims die in scorching temperatures and thousands more treated for heat stress

ABC  

In short: At least 550 pilgrims from Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Iran and Senegal have died during this year's hajj as temperatures have soared to over 50 degrees Celsius. At least 550 pilgrims from Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Iran and Senegal have died during this year's hajj as temperatures have soared to over 50 degrees Celsius. At least 550 pilgrims have died …

Muslim pilgrims wrap up the Hajj with final symbolic stoning of the devil and circling of the Kaaba
6 months ago

Muslim pilgrims wrap up the Hajj with final symbolic stoning of the devil and circling of the Kaaba

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — Muslim pilgrims wrapped up the Hajj in the deadly summer heat on Tuesday with the third day of the symbolic stoning of the devil, and the last circumambulation around the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, in the city of Mecca. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Muslim pilgrims gather at …

Muslim pilgrims warp up Hajj with final symbolic stoning of the devil and final circling of Kaaba
6 months ago

Muslim pilgrims warp up Hajj with final symbolic stoning of the devil and final circling of Kaaba

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Muslim pilgrims are wrapping up …

Muslim pilgrims resume symbolic stoning of the devil as they wrap up Hajj pilgrimage in deadly heat
6 months ago

Muslim pilgrims resume symbolic stoning of the devil as they wrap up Hajj pilgrimage in deadly heat

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — Muslim pilgrims used the early morning hours Monday to perform the second day of the symbolic stoning of the devil, hoping to escape the noontime summer heat that caused heatstroke and sunburns among thousands wrapping up the Hajj pilgrimage. The pilgrims collected the pebbles, which they have used in the symbolic stoning of pillars, from Muzdalifa, …

More than a dozen pilgrims killed on hajj, several more missing amid extreme heat in Saudi Arabia
6 months ago

More than a dozen pilgrims killed on hajj, several more missing amid extreme heat in Saudi Arabia

ABC  

In short: At least 19 people taking part in the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia have died and 17 others are missing. At least 19 people taking part in the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia have died and 17 others are missing. A number of pilgrims performing hajj in Saudi Arabia have died and many are believed missing, …

Amid soaring temperatures, cooling systems in Mecca bring some relief to Hajj pilgrims I VIDEO
6 months, 1 week ago

Amid soaring temperatures, cooling systems in Mecca bring some relief to Hajj pilgrims I VIDEO

India TV News  

Water misting systems were being used near Arafat Mount in Saudi Arabia to relieve pilgrims from the soaring heat which has coincided with this year's Hajj pilgrimage. Around Al-Rahma hill, tall water-misting columns were spraying water on pilgrims who gathered at Mount Arafat as part of the Hajj rituals for day-long worship and reflection. “We consume lot of cold water, …

Pilgrims begin final rites of Hajj as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha
6 months, 1 week ago

Pilgrims begin final rites of Hajj as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha

LA Times  

Muslim pilgrims cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual Hajj, in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday. “No one wants more than this.” World & Nation Q&A: The hajj pilgrimage in Saudi and what it means in Islam Each year between 2 to 3 million …

Hajj pilgrims 'stone the devil' as Muslims mark Eid al-Adha
6 months, 1 week ago

Hajj pilgrims 'stone the devil' as Muslims mark Eid al-Adha

New Indian Express  

MINA: Pilgrims on Sunday performed the last major ritual of the hajj, the "stoning of the devil," in western Saudi Arabia as Muslims the world over celebrated the Eid al-Adha holiday. Beginning at dawn, the 1.8 million Muslims undertaking the pilgrimage this year threw seven stones at each of three concrete walls symbolising the devil in the Mina valley, located …

Muslim pilgrims converge at Mount Arafat for daylong worship as Hajj reaches its peak
6 months, 1 week ago

Muslim pilgrims converge at Mount Arafat for daylong worship as Hajj reaches its peak

Associated Press  

MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia — Following the footsteps of prophets beneath a burning sun, more than 1.83 million Muslims from around the world congregated Saturday at a sacred hill in Saudi Arabia for worship and reflection amid a sweltering heat. Muslim pilgrims rest at the Mina tent camp during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi …

Muslim pilgrims converge on Mount Arafat for holiest day of Hajj
6 months, 1 week ago

Muslim pilgrims converge on Mount Arafat for holiest day of Hajj

Al Jazeera  

Muslims from around the world have converged on a sacred hill near Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the holiest day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The ritual at Mount Arafat, known as the hill of mercy, is often the most memorable for pilgrims, who stand shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet, asking God for mercy, blessings, prosperity and good health. …

Hajj 2024: Date, 4 key aspects of history associated with Day of Arafah ahead of Eid-ul-Adha or Bakreid
6 months, 1 week ago

Hajj 2024: Date, 4 key aspects of history associated with Day of Arafah ahead of Eid-ul-Adha or Bakreid

Hindustan Times  

This year, Hajj started on Friday, June 14, with more than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world having already amassed in and around Mecca for the annual Muslim pilgrimage. Hajj 2024: Date, 4 key aspects of history associated with Day of Arafah ahead of Eid-ul-Adha or Bakreid Date: This year, Hajj started on June 14, 2024, after astronomical observatories …

Hajj 2024: In Mecca’s sweltering heat, Muslims start this year’s Hajj pilgrimage
6 months, 1 week ago

Hajj 2024: In Mecca’s sweltering heat, Muslims start this year’s Hajj pilgrimage

The Hindu  

In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims in Mecca converged on a vast tent camp in the desert on June 14, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage. More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world have already amassed in and around Mecca for the Hajj, and the number was still growing as more pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia joined. “They deprived …

In Mecca's sweltering heat, Muslims start this year's Hajj pilgrimage
6 months, 1 week ago

In Mecca's sweltering heat, Muslims start this year's Hajj pilgrimage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims …

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the destructive Israel-Hamas war
6 months, 1 week ago

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the destructive Israel-Hamas war

New Indian Express  

SAUDI ARABIA: In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims in Mecca converged on a vast tent camp in the desert on Friday, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage. More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world have already amassed in and around Mecca for the Hajj, and the number was still growing as more pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia joined. This …

Millions start Hajj in shadow of Israel’s war on Gaza
6 months, 1 week ago

Millions start Hajj in shadow of Israel’s war on Gaza

Al Jazeera  

Rituals expected to draw more than two million pilgrims this year, praying for peace in Gaza, Yemen and Sudan. More than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims have gathered in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca for the start of Hajj, taking place this year against the harrowing backdrop of Israel’s continued onslaught on the Gaza Strip. The annual pilgrimage began on Friday with crowds …

Masses of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia circle the Kaaba ahead of the official beginning of the Hajj
6 months, 1 week ago

Masses of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia circle the Kaaba ahead of the official beginning of the Hajj

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Masses of Muslim pilgrims in the Saudi city of Mecca on Thursday circled the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, a day before heading to the nearby desert area of Mina to officially open the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage that takes the faithful along a route taken by the Prophet Muhammad. The area around the Grand Mosque …

Hajj 2024 from Prophet Ibrahim to today: Origin of Kaaba and rich history of Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia
6 months, 1 week ago

Hajj 2024 from Prophet Ibrahim to today: Origin of Kaaba and rich history of Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia

Hindustan Times  

A visit to the holy shrine of Kaaba in Mecca has a remarkable history and Muslims believe that Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham, the dearest friend of Allah and father of prophets, was instructed by God to leave his wife Hajar and son Ismail in the desert of Mecca. Hajj 2024 from Prophet Ibrahim to today: Origin of Kaaba and rich …

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Muslims Reach Saudi Arabia’s Mecca For Annual Hajj
6 months, 1 week ago

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Muslims Reach Saudi Arabia’s Mecca For Annual Hajj

News 18  

Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca ahead of the start of the Hajj later this week, as the annual pilgrimage returns to its monumental scale. Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the country by Tuesday, the vast majority by air, from across the world. Saudi officials have said …

Hajj 2024: More than 1.5 million foreign Muslims arrive in Mecca
6 months, 1 week ago

Hajj 2024: More than 1.5 million foreign Muslims arrive in Mecca

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca ahead of the start of the Hajj later this week, as the annual pilgrimage returns to its monumental scale. Muslim pilgrims arrive to offer prayers at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Muslim pilgrims …

What’s the Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, and why is it significant for Muslims?
6 months, 1 week ago

What’s the Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, and why is it significant for Muslims?

Associated Press  

Once a year, Muslim pilgrims flowing into Saudi Arabia unite in a series of religious rituals and acts of worship as they perform the Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam. Communally, Hajj unites Muslims of diverse races, ethnicities, languages and economic classes from around the world in performing religious rituals and acts of worshipping God at the same time …

First Syrian jet in over a decade transports Muslim worshippers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage
6 months, 3 weeks ago

First Syrian jet in over a decade transports Muslim worshippers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage

Associated Press  

DAMASCUS, Syria — For the first time in over a decade, 270 Syrians traveled on a direct flight early Tuesday from Damascus to Saudi Arabia for the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, the Syrian Transportation Ministry said. The development is part of an ongoing thaw in relations between Damascus and Riyadh, which days ago appointed Saudi Arabia’s first ambassador to war-torn …

Haj 2024: India, Saudi Arabia ink agreement, over 1.75 lakh pilgrims quota fixed for this year
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Haj 2024: India, Saudi Arabia ink agreement, over 1.75 lakh pilgrims quota fixed for this year

India TV News  

Haj 2024: India and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral agreement under which New Delhi has been allocated a quota of more than 1.75 lakh pilgrims for the 2024 annual Haj pilgrimage. Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. …

This year’s Hajj was held in sweltering heat, and for those serving pilgrims there was little relief
1 year, 5 months ago

This year’s Hajj was held in sweltering heat, and for those serving pilgrims there was little relief

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — As hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims walked in the footsteps of the prophets beneath a sweltering sun, contracted cleaners in lime-green jumpsuits held out matching plastic bags to collect their empty water bottles. It takes tens of thousands of cleaners, security personnel, medics and others to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage possible for 1.8 million …

Watch: Muslims hurl stones during ‘stoning of the devil’ ritual during annual Hajj pilgrimage
1 year, 5 months ago

Watch: Muslims hurl stones during ‘stoning of the devil’ ritual during annual Hajj pilgrimage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Watch as Muslim pilgrims perform …

Muslims at Hajj pilgrimage brave intense heat to cast stones at pillars representing the devil
1 year, 5 months ago

Muslims at Hajj pilgrimage brave intense heat to cast stones at pillars representing the devil

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hundreds of thousands of Muslim …

Muslims at Hajj brave intense heat to cast stones at pillars representing the devil
1 year, 5 months ago

Muslims at Hajj brave intense heat to cast stones at pillars representing the devil

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims on Wednesday braved intense heat to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. With morning temperatures rising past 42 degrees Celsius, huge crowds of pilgrims walked or took buses to the vast Jamarat complex just outside the holy city of Mecca, where large …

2 million pilgrims expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage
1 year, 5 months ago

2 million pilgrims expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage

Hindustan Times  

2 million pilgrims expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage Muslim pilgrims in Mecca circled the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage on Monday.. 1 / 8 View Photos in a new improved layout Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, …

‘The Hajj is not Mecca': Why prayers at Mount Arafat are the spiritual peak of Islamic pilgrimage
1 year, 5 months ago

‘The Hajj is not Mecca': Why prayers at Mount Arafat are the spiritual peak of Islamic pilgrimage

Associated Press  

ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia — They came in the dark of night, in the thousands, to clamber up the rocky hill called Mount Arafat. Arafat is mentioned in the Quran and it is where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have given his last sermon on his final Hajj. “The Hajj is Arafat,” he said, repeating one of the prophet’s sayings …

Hajj returns to maximum capacity after coronavirus pandemic
1 year, 5 months ago

Hajj returns to maximum capacity after coronavirus pandemic

Al Jazeera  

Muslim pilgrims in Mecca circled the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, and then converged on a vast tent camp in the nearby desert, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage, returning to its maximum capacity for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. So far, more than 1.8 million pilgrims from all over the world have already amassed in and around Mecca …

Who gets to do Hajj in Saudi Arabia?
1 year, 5 months ago

Who gets to do Hajj in Saudi Arabia?

Hindustan Times  

The Hajj, a religious pilgrimage for Muslims and one of the largest gatherings of humans on Earth, begins in Saudi Arabia on June 26 and ends July 1. Almost 1.5 million pilgrims are already in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj. However, there are around 2 billion Muslims around the world and given the numbers involved, it would be impossible …

Essentials for the Hajj: From sun hats to shoe bags, a guide to gear for the Muslim pilgrimage
1 year, 5 months ago

Essentials for the Hajj: From sun hats to shoe bags, a guide to gear for the Muslim pilgrimage

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Straw hats, cross-body bags, and collapsible chairs: These are just some of the essentials Muslims bring to the Hajj pilgrimage. When it comes to footwear, it’s best to wear something that’s durable for the long walks but that also slips on and off easily, as pilgrims must remove their shoes before entering Mecca’s Grand Mosque. Nigerian …

What is the Hajj pilgrimage and what does it mean for Muslims?
1 year, 5 months ago

What is the Hajj pilgrimage and what does it mean for Muslims?

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Over 1.8 million Muslims are taking part in this week’s Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, as one of the world’s largest religious gatherings returns to capacity following years of coronavirus restrictions. Saudi authorities had expected some 2 million pilgrims, but official figures released Tuesday put attendance at around 1.8 million, …

‘Largest Hajj pilgrimage in history’ begins in Saudi Arabia
1 year, 5 months ago

‘Largest Hajj pilgrimage in history’ begins in Saudi Arabia

Al Jazeera  

The number of pilgrims this year is expected to break records at more than 2.5 million. The pilgrimage of Hajj has begun as crowds of Muslims donning white robes circle the Kaaba, the cubed structure at the epicentre of Islam’s holiest site, their prayers ringing through the air. The annual pilgrimage began on Sunday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia with the …

Inflation and economic crises strain pilgrims in this year’s Hajj, putting it out of reach for some
1 year, 6 months ago

Inflation and economic crises strain pilgrims in this year’s Hajj, putting it out of reach for some

Associated Press  

CAIRO — Saudi Arabia is hosting its biggest Hajj pilgrimage in three years, starting Monday. With people balking at the costs, a few countries struggled to fill their quota of pilgrims this year, a startling sign when demand usually outstrips the supply of pilgrimage spots many times over. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia barred foreign pilgrims in 2020 …

Global economic crises put this year’s Hajj out of reach for some pilgrims
1 year, 6 months ago

Global economic crises put this year’s Hajj out of reach for some pilgrims

LA Times  

A pilgrim buys a money belt at a Hajj training center in Karachi, Pakistan, on Monday. But for many pilgrims and others who couldn’t make it, global inflation and economic crises made it more of a strain to carry out Islam’s spiritual trip of a lifetime. But for many pilgrims, and for many others who couldn’t make it, global inflation …

Ambitious Saudi plans to ramp up Hajj could face challenges from climate change
1 year, 6 months ago

Ambitious Saudi plans to ramp up Hajj could face challenges from climate change

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to welcome millions more pilgrims to Islam’s holiest sites. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s wide-ranging plan to overhaul the kingdom’s economy, known as Vision 2030, 30 million pilgrims would take part in the Hajj and Umrah — a smaller, year-round pilgrimage. A 2019 study by experts at the Massachusetts Institute …

What is Hajj? A step-by-step guide to the Muslim pilgrimage
1 year, 6 months ago

What is Hajj? A step-by-step guide to the Muslim pilgrimage

Al Jazeera  

Here’s how Muslims perform the rituals of Hajj every year, following an ancient example. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather annually in Mecca to perform Hajj – the sacred Muslim pilgrimage. Here is a step-by-step guide to the rituals on each day: Day 1 Intent and ihram – The very first rite of Hajj is to …

From war-torn northern Syria to Mecca for Hajj
1 year, 6 months ago

From war-torn northern Syria to Mecca for Hajj

Al Jazeera  

Idlib, Syria – Pilgrims from northwestern Syria have streamed through border crossings with Turkey – Bab al-Hawa, Bab al-Salamah, and Tel Abyad – heading to Gaziantep’s airport to board flights to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj. The Bab al-Hawa administration started receiving pilgrims at the departure lounge on June 15, where their documents are verified, bags are inspected, and …

Four Hajj delegations leave besieged Gaza to Mecca
1 year, 6 months ago

Four Hajj delegations leave besieged Gaza to Mecca

Al Jazeera  

Thousands of pilgrims left from the Rafah crossing to Cairo’s airport and then to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Gaza – Over the past week, four batches of pilgrims departed from the Gaza Strip for Saudi Arabia to perform the rituals of Hajj. The journey from Gaza Strip to Mecca starts from the Rafah land crossing, passing through Cairo’s airport, and from …

Through personal ups and downs, they’ve waited years to perform Hajj. These are their stories
1 year, 6 months ago

Through personal ups and downs, they’ve waited years to perform Hajj. These are their stories

Associated Press  

This year’s Hajj is a landmark: the first full pilgrimage after a daunting three-year period when the COVID-19 pandemic sharply reduced the scale of one of Islam’s holiest and most beloved rites. “After that, I don’t need anything from life.” On Mount Arafat, the climactic moment of the Hajj, she said she will pray for peace and love between people. …

J&K’s first batch of Hajj pilgrims leaves for Saudi Arabia
1 year, 6 months ago

J&K’s first batch of Hajj pilgrims leaves for Saudi Arabia

Hindustan Times  

The first batch of 630 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir left for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for the annual Hajj pilgrimage of 2023. Around 630 pilgrims in white dresses hymned spiritual chants ‘Here I am, O Allah, here I am’ as they said good bye amid hugs and kisses to their relatives.“This is my first pilgrimage. The pilgrims were transported …

Israel discussing possible direct Hajj flights to Saudi Arabia
1 year, 7 months ago

Israel discussing possible direct Hajj flights to Saudi Arabia

Al Jazeera  

Israel’s foreign minister says request submitted and “issue is under discussion”. Israel has expressed hope that authorities in Saudi Arabia would allow direct flights for its Muslim citizens who want to make the Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place next month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s predecessor, Yair Lapid, said in March that as prime minister in 2022, he had gotten …

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