The Hajj pilgrimage commences in Mecca for Muslims worldwide.
During the summer season, a large number of believers were seen carrying parasols to protect themselves from the heat. Fahad Azmar, a pilgrim from Pakistan, expressed his thoughts, "The heat is intense but I'm grateful for the chance to be here."
This five-day religious gathering held in a Saudi Arabian city is a significant aspect of Islam. It is a religious duty for every pious Muslim who is physically capable and can afford it to take part in this event at least once in their lifetime.
A significant part of Hajj occurs outdoors, involving the circumambulation of the Kaaba. After completing this ritual, pilgrims rest in Mina, close to Mecca. Subsequently, on a Saturday, they ascend Mount Arafat, expected to reach temperatures of around 44 degrees Celsius. During this time, it is believed that Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon.
This year's Hajj is marred by the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian organization Hamas in Gaza. The government of Saudi Arabia had warned earlier that any "political activities" would not be tolerated during the Hajj. A reported 2000 Palestinians have been invited by King Salman to take part in the pilgrimage.
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Fahad, despite the intense heat, considered his participation in the Hajj pilgrimage a privilege, as it is a required duty for every capable and financially able Muslim from around the world, including those from the Gaza Strip, who have been invited by King Salman to partake in this holy journey to Mecca and visit the sacred Kaaba. Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, many Muslims continue their pilgrimage, maintaining the significance of the Hajj for the Muslim faith.
