The annual Hajj pilgrimage, essential in Islam, commenced on Monday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This year, over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived from abroad, according to Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, commander of the Hajj passport forces.
Hajj takes place amidst a fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict and lingering regional tensions. Despite these challenges, Muslims gathered in Mecca to circle the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, on the first day of Hajj. Egyptian pilgrim Samya Abdul Moneim expressed gratitude and a deep sense of happiness for performing the pilgrimage.
Typically, on the first day, pilgrims move to a vast tent camp in the nearby desert. Before this, they circle the cube-shaped Kaaba in the Grand Mosque under intense heat. The pilgrimage represents a profound spiritual experience and an opportunity for forgiveness and renewal.
Youssef Chouhoud, a political scientist from Virginia, experiencing his first Hajj, expressed hope for a fresh sense of purpose post-pilgrimage. He noted the challenging nature of the pilgrimage but found it inspiring to see fellow pilgrims engaged in acts of charity and support.
“It is for many pilgrims the most difficult thing they will ever do in their lives,” he stated via WhatsApp. “But nothing this meaningful is ever going to be easy.”
Intense heat is a significant challenge, leading many to use umbrellas and handheld fans. Volunteers distribute water bottles and mist to help pilgrims stay cool.
Meanwhile, on the geopolitical front, U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned a near-complete deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement aims to resolve an energy crisis spurred by earlier conflicts. Regional tensions remain high, affecting Hajj travel plans.
Indonesia, with its large Muslim population, has prepared contingency plans for the pilgrimage. Authorities worked to prevent additional travel costs for Indonesian pilgrims. In India, planning continued as normal, although high fuel prices increased travel expenses.
Reopening the waterway could alleviate the energy crisis, with oil, gas, and related products experiencing significant price increases. These spikes shook the global economy due to Iran’s previous decision to close the strait following conflicts.
Pilgrims will soon gather on the plain of Arafat, considered the pinnacle of Hajj. They will offer prayers and supplications, seeking forgiveness and carrying requests from loved ones, marking a profound spiritual moment.
This report involved contributions from AP writers Niniek Karmini and Sheikh Saaliq.
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