Dubai: The Hajj, one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, began on Wednesday (June 4) in Saudi Arabia, drawing millions of Muslims from across the globe to the sacred city of Mecca. Deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, the pilgrimage is a powerful expression of faith, unity, and devotion.
Also Read | Guatemala President Reaffirms Strong Support for Taiwan, Calls Island ‘Brotherly Nation’
- The Hajj is a yearly pilgrimage that Muslims undertake to Mecca, retracing the sacred rites performed by the Prophet Mohammad more than 1,400 years ago. These rituals are central to Islam and represent spiritual purification and submission to God.
- As the fifth and final pillar of Islam, the Hajj is a religious obligation for every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim. It is required once in a lifetime and is seen as the most profound manifestation of Islamic faith and global Muslim solidarity.
- The pilgrimage takes place in Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, the dates of Hajj — like Ramadan — shift each year on the solar (Gregorian) calendar.
- In 1987, a quota system was implemented by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to regulate attendance, limiting each member country’s pilgrims to 0.1% of its population. This system helps manage the overwhelming number of visitors to Mecca each year.
- Over the past three decades, incidents such as stampedes and fires have claimed hundreds of lives during the Hajj, prompting Saudi Arabia to make major safety and infrastructure investments. In 2011, the kingdom began the largest expansion of the Grand Mosque, increasing its capacity to accommodate up to 2 million worshippers. A new high-speed rail system now links the holy sites around Mecca to improve transport and crowd management.
- The Hajj culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Adha, one of the two main Islamic festivals. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) unwavering willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command. Muslims around the world observe the day by sacrificing animals and distributing the meat to the poor, symbolizing charity, faith, and obedience.
Also Read | Baghdad Points Finger at Erbil Over Disputed Oil Shipments
As this year’s Hajj unfolds, it continues to serve as a powerful spiritual journey for millions, reinforcing the values of humility, community, and the shared beliefs of Muslims worldwide.
