Millions of Muslims begin ‘biggest’ Hajj pilgrimage in years in Mecca

Millions of Muslim worshipers from across the world have started the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, with the rituals taking place over a period of several days and culminating in Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice).

On the first day of the rituals on Sunday, the pilgrims perform the first circumambulation of the Holy Ka’aba, a cube-shaped shrine that Muslims face when they pray. They conduct a series of rites over four days in the city of Mecca and its surroundings.

The pilgrimage can be physically demanding as pilgrims have to move between different locations and can walk between 5 to 15 kilometers per day on average. The pilgrimage tests the pilgrims’ patience and is a challenge on a spiritual, emotional, and physical level. It may require some preparation and, for many, is a once-in-a-lifetime event. 

The worshipers will sleep in tents in Mina on Monday night and spend Tuesday at Mount Arafat, where Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon.

After casting pebbles in the “stoning of the devil” ritual on Wednesday, marking the start of the Eid al-Adha holiday, the pilgrims return to Mecca to perform a farewell “tawaf” — circling seven times around the Holy Ka’aba.