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Metropolis Desk-
The Hajj journey has begun as throngs of Muslims in white robes circle the Kaaba, the cube-shaped building at the center of Islam’s holiest shrine, their prayers resonating through the air.
The tawaf, or circling of the Kaaba, which marks the start of the yearly pilgrimage, broke attendance records on Sunday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Due to the complete relaxation of coronavirus pandemic limitations that have been in force since 2020, more than 2.5 million Muslims are anticipated to participate.
In that year, only 10,000 participants were allowed; in 2021, 59,000; and in 2018, a maximum of one million participants.
“I am living the most beautiful days of my life,” 65-year-old Egyptian Abdelazim told the AFP news agency while he was there. Abdelazim had saved up for the $6000 cost of the event for 20 years.
The pilgrims will start traveling to Mina on Sunday evening, some 8 kilometers (5 miles) from al-Masjid al-Haram, or the Grand Mosque, in Mecca. From there, they will congregate at Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad is thought to have given his last sermon.
Food supplies have been brought in and security personnel have been placed in Mina in preparation for the pilgrims.
The Hajj this year is difficult because it is taking place in nearly 45° Celsius heat and the lunar calendar determines the exact date of the trip.
According to Saudi authorities, there are thousands of ambulances and more than 32,000 medical personnel ready to respond to cases of heatstroke, dehydration, and weariness.
One of Islam’s five pillars, the rite is required of every able-bodied adult Muslim who has the financial means to participate.
It is intended that the mentally and emotionally taxing event will purge followers of sin and draw them nearer to God.
This year, the Hajj is performed between June 26 and July 1, with Eid al-Adha being observed on June 28.
Even though it is an expensive ceremony, the Hajj pilgrimage frequently gives people hope, especially those who come from nations that are plagued by conflict, poverty, or occupation. To be able to afford it, many people fork over years of their meager savings.
Last week, four pilgrimage groups departed from Gaza. In the meantime, a steady stream of pilgrims from northwest Syria crossed into Turkey at border points. Additionally, Yemenis traveled to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage on the first direct trip since 2016.
Source- Al Jazeera
