Huge crowds circle Kaaba as Haj begins in Saudi
Published: 04:06 PM,Jun 25,2023 | EDITED : 08:06 PM,Jun 25,2023
MECCA: Vast crowds of robed Muslim pilgrims walked solemn circles around the Kaaba, at Mecca's Grand Mosque, on Sunday as the biggest Haj pilgrimage in several years began.
Islam's holiest site is expected to host more than two million worshippers from 160 countries during the annual rites that could break attendance records, with 1.6 million foreigners already there.
'This year, we will witness the largest Haj pilgrimage in history,' if things go according to plan, predicted an official with the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah.
'The numbers will exceed 2.5 million pilgrims,' added the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak with the press.
The Haj began early on Sunday with the 'tawaf' -- the circumambulation of the Kaaba, the large cubic structure draped in black cloth with gold trimmings that millions of Muslims pray towards every day.
'I am living the most beautiful days of my life,' said Abdel-Azim, a 65-year-old Egyptian, as he performed the ritual. 'The dream has come true,' added the retiree, who had saved up for 20 years to pay the $6,000 fee to take part.
The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims with the means.
A series of rites are completed over four days in Mecca and its surroundings in the west of oil-rich Saudi Arabia.
On Sunday night, pilgrims will start moving to Mina, about five kilometres from the Grand Mosque, ahead of the Haj's climax at Mount Arafat.
Mina, the world's largest tent city, readied to receive the influx of pilgrims on Sunday, with food supplies brought in and security forces deployed around the area.
Outside the Grand Mosque, thousands prayed on colourful carpets that adorned the pavement, with male pilgrims wearing simple white robes. The area was dotted with ambulances, mobile clinics and fire trucks.
Carrying white umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching sun, policemen in the mountainous city have conducted foot patrols and set up checkpoints to inspect Haj permits.
Others splashed water on pilgrims as temperatures climbed towards 45 degrees Celsius.
Thousands of paramedics were on standby inside the Grand Mosque. Saudi authorities said more than 32,000 health workers will be on hand to treat cases of heatstroke, dehydration and exhaustion.
The Haj also demonstrates social reforms in the deeply conservative country. — AFP
Islam's holiest site is expected to host more than two million worshippers from 160 countries during the annual rites that could break attendance records, with 1.6 million foreigners already there.
'This year, we will witness the largest Haj pilgrimage in history,' if things go according to plan, predicted an official with the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah.
'The numbers will exceed 2.5 million pilgrims,' added the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak with the press.
The Haj began early on Sunday with the 'tawaf' -- the circumambulation of the Kaaba, the large cubic structure draped in black cloth with gold trimmings that millions of Muslims pray towards every day.
'I am living the most beautiful days of my life,' said Abdel-Azim, a 65-year-old Egyptian, as he performed the ritual. 'The dream has come true,' added the retiree, who had saved up for 20 years to pay the $6,000 fee to take part.
The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims with the means.
A series of rites are completed over four days in Mecca and its surroundings in the west of oil-rich Saudi Arabia.
On Sunday night, pilgrims will start moving to Mina, about five kilometres from the Grand Mosque, ahead of the Haj's climax at Mount Arafat.
Mina, the world's largest tent city, readied to receive the influx of pilgrims on Sunday, with food supplies brought in and security forces deployed around the area.
Outside the Grand Mosque, thousands prayed on colourful carpets that adorned the pavement, with male pilgrims wearing simple white robes. The area was dotted with ambulances, mobile clinics and fire trucks.
Carrying white umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching sun, policemen in the mountainous city have conducted foot patrols and set up checkpoints to inspect Haj permits.
Others splashed water on pilgrims as temperatures climbed towards 45 degrees Celsius.
Thousands of paramedics were on standby inside the Grand Mosque. Saudi authorities said more than 32,000 health workers will be on hand to treat cases of heatstroke, dehydration and exhaustion.
The Haj also demonstrates social reforms in the deeply conservative country. — AFP