The Hajj 1444 came to a close as vast crowds of robed pilgrims gathered in Saudi Arabia. Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims in Mina took part in the “stoning of the devil” ritual, pelting three concrete structures representing Satan before proceeding to Makkah for the final tawaf.
In the scorching Saudi Arabian heat, the largest Hajj pilgrimage since the beginning of the pandemic concluded as vast crowds of pilgrims in robes participated in the ritual known as the “stoning of the devil.” From early morning in Mina, hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims threw pebbles at three concrete structures symbolizing Satan before heading to Makkah for the final tawaf.
This year’s Hajj, with over 1.8 million participants, marks the first unrestricted pilgrimage since the onset of Covid in 2020. Although it falls short of the record-breaking 2.5 million pilgrims in 2019 before the pandemic, the turnout is still significant. Visitors have faced not only large crowds but also extreme temperatures, with the mercury soaring to 48 degrees Celsius (118 Fahrenheit) during prayers at Mount Arafat.
This year’s Hajj, with over 1.8 million participants, marks the first unrestricted pilgrimage since the onset of Covid in 2020. Although it falls short of the record-breaking 2.5 million pilgrims in 2019 before the pandemic, the turnout is still significant. Visitors have faced not only large crowds but also extreme temperatures, with the mercury soaring to 48 degrees Celsius (118 Fahrenheit) during prayers at Mount Arafat.
Amidst buzzing helicopters, pilgrims flooded the streets of Mina while the Grand Mosque in Makkah was filled with circling pilgrims who congratulated each other on completing the Hajj. The attendance figure, announced by Saudi officials, is primarily comprised of more than 1.6 million foreigners from approximately 160 countries. The Hajj holds substantial economic importance for Saudi Arabia, generating an estimated $12 billion annually from the pilgrimage and year-round Umrah pilgrimages, as the country seeks to diversify its oil-dependent economy.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except bypiety (taqwa) and good action. pic.twitter.com/Loiz5aurxn
— The Holy Mosques (@theholymosques) June 27, 2023
To ensure the well-being of pilgrims, King Salman of Saudi Arabia pledged to cover the cost of sacrificial animals for nearly 5,000 of the most impoverished pilgrims. The ritual of stoning the devil on Wednesday marks the beginning of the three-day Eidul Azha holiday, observed by Muslims to commemorate Hazrat Ibrahim’s (Peace be Upon Him) willingness to sacrifice his son.
The Mina site, which has been the site of deadly stampedes in the past, has undergone extensive remodeling to enhance safety. Since 2015, when a stampede claimed the lives of up to 2,300 worshippers, no major incidents have occurred. Nevertheless, precautions have been taken to minimize risks, including the construction of a multi-story bridge to facilitate safe access to the monoliths.
The scorching conditions have proven to be a significant challenge for this year’s pilgrims, particularly the elderly, as an age limit was no longer imposed. The Hajj, following the lunar calendar, frequently falls in the Saudi summer when desert temperatures are amplified due to global warming. Experts have cautioned that temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius may become a regular occurrence in Saudi Arabia by the end of the century.
In order to shield themselves from the sun, many pilgrims have been walking with umbrellas, while others hold their folded prayer blankets above their heads. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke have affected numerous individuals, with at least 287 people receiving medical treatment.
The Hajj rituals commenced at Mecca’s Grand Mosque on Sunday, Islam’s holiest site, followed by an overnight stay in tents and prayers on Mount Arafat, where it is believed that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) delivered his final sermon.
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