The 2026 Hajj season begins in Saudi Arabia

ALBAWABA – Millions of faithful pilgrims gather in Mecca to perform the Hajj, beginning the sacred journey despite the regional, and indeed, literal heat.

More than 1.5 million pilgrims officially begin their Hajj pilgrimage, although many have been there for a few days already. The annual Hajj pilgrimage, is one of the five pillars of Islam making it mandatory for every Muslim who is able to perform it.

Amidst the regional political heat, pilgrims are enduring sweltering conditions while performing their rituals as temperatures soar in Mecca, with the Saudi government providing cooling systems, water, and fans to the pilgrims.

But despite all this, the pilgrims feel grateful they made the journey, even amid rising regional tensions and costs due to the US war on Iran. One pilgrim from Egypt, Samya Abdul Moneim, said she felt blessed to have reached Mecca. “I am in a state of blessing and happiness,” she said. “It’s an indescribable feeling, truly. Thank God, I am in a blessing.”

The pilgrims still have the rest of the Hajj rituals ahead of them in the coming few days, traveling next to Mina where a tent city was set up for them, before gathering on Mount Arafat on Tuesday, the spiritual and faithful journey unfolding against the backdrop of the US war on Iran.

المصدر: Al Bawaba