Hajj 2024 Begins As More Than 1.5 Million Pilgrims Arrive In Saudi Arabia

 Hajj is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj brings Muslims from all over the world to come together in a spirit of brotherhood and unity, treating everyone equally irrespective of class, caste, race, gender or culture. It is believed that if an individual performs their Hajj rites in true sense and with purity, they return home washing off all their sins of lifetime.

Hajj not only promotes equality but also ensures heaven for the pilgrims after death if they perform their duties faithfully. This spiritual journey represents positivity and kindness and is considered the highest honour.

Hajj 2024: Arrangements and Number of People Gathered There

Hajj comprises a series of prescribed rituals and acts that symbolise various aspects of devotion, faith, and unity. Throughout history, the number of pilgrims and the level of organisation have varied. As the religion of Islam spread beyond the Arabian Peninsula, the number of Muslims from different parts of the world began to join Hajj.

The Government of Saudi Arabia, in partnership with religious authorities, facilitates and manages the logistics of the pilgrimage to ensure the well-being, comfort, and safety of the pilgrims.

In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, a large number of Muslims have arrived for the annual Islamic pilgrimage Hajj, which begins today. During the Hajj, several Muslim pilgrims visit the city every year to start their journey of spirituality and faith to follow the path of Prophet Muhammad. On Tuesday, nearly 1.5 million pilgrims came to Mecca for Hajj, which is set to begin on Friday. In the coming months, the number of pilgrims will increase. Since the pilgrims have arrived, they have performed the circumambulation with a huge number of crowds circling the Kaaba.

Severe Hot Weather in Saudi Arabia

This year’s Hajj pilgrimage is physically challenging due to higher than average temperatures. Ayman Ghulam, National Metrology Centre Chief, stated that “this year the expected climate for Hajj will witness an increase in average temperature of 1.5 to 2 degrees above normal in Medina and Mecca.”

In Mecca, where the five-day pilgrimage will be held, the average temperature will likely increase up to 44 degrees Celsius.

To manage the expected heat, all main squares in Medina and Mecca are equipped with portable water stations and misting systems. The Saudi authorities had promised that the floor of the Great Mosque in Mecca, along with the surrounding tents, would be air-conditioned.

Despite the severe hot weather, it involves up to 30 hours outdoors, which include standing on the plain Mount Arafat for one day between sunrise and sunset and walking for a few hours along the outskirts of Mecca on other days. But the loyalty and devotion of Hajj pilgrims have proved their honesty towards Allah, and the pilgrims are saying that they are not feeling too hot.