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By Morgan Coates, Adela Suliman and Naomi Schanen | June 27, 2023
Some 2. 5 million people are expected to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, this week.
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Amr Nabil/AP
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah predicts a maximum number of worshippers expected to converge on the Kaaba and neighboring regions, as the annual event returns to full capacity for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic.
Amr Nabil/AP
Muslim pilgrims gather on the “Mount of Mercy” in the Arafat plain for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters
Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters
Muslim pilgrims pray on the “Mount of Mercy” on the Arafat Plain, the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters
Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters
This is despite the high prices of global travel.
Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters
A Muslim pilgrim touches the pillar atop Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia.
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a legal responsibility for all able-bodied Muslims who have the financial means to attend.
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
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Muslim pilgrims pray at the most sensible site of Jabal al-Rahma in Saudi Arabia.
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
Muslims flock from all over the world and save all their lives to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage. This year, peak figures are expected despite emerging transportation, hotel and fare costs.
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
A mist of water is sprayed over Muslim pilgrims as they pray on the rocky hill known as the “Mount of Mercy” in the Arafat Plain, the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Amr Nabil/AP
Amr Nabil/AP
The Saudi government has tried to restrict the number by setting quotas of visitors to the country. Despite this, officials say 2023 may be the highest number of pilgrims ever recorded after 3 years of covid restrictions.
Amr Nabil/AP
Muslim pilgrims invade Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia.
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad to Saudi Arabia’s Jabal al-Rahma summit, also known as the “Mount of Mercy,” and pray for forgiveness and absolution from sins.
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims pray for forgiveness and absolution from sins.
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
A pilgrim prays on the “Mount of Mercy”.
Amr Nabil/AP
Amr Nabil/AP
Pilgrims pray on the “Mount of Mercy”.
Amr Nabil/AP
Amr Nabil/AP
In the past, large numbers of pilgrims have resulted in deaths and stampedes as thousands of other people surround the Kaaba and leave Mecca to camp and worship.
Amr Nabil/AP
Muslim pilgrims sleep near Mount Arafat on the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage.
Ashraf Amra/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Ashraf Amra/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Men wear undeniable white cloth dresses and women wear modest abayas while imitating the rituals of Abraham sacrificing slaughtered cattle, as well as his wife Hagar running through the mountains in search of water. Muslims who cannot attend the quick pilgrimage and give to charity during the holy days.
Ashraf Amra/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
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Muslim pilgrims circle around the Kaaba, the cubic construction of the Grand Mosque, the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Amr Nabil/AP
Amr Nabil/AP
Nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide will celebrate Eid al-Adha on Wednesday with visits to mosques, sacrifices and meals in a circle of relatives. They will want another “Eid Mubarak” or a satisfied Eid.
Amr Nabil/AP
Muslim pilgrims pray upon arrival in Mina, near Islam’s holy city, Mecca, for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, the cubic construction of the Great Mosque, the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Amr Nabil/AP