Kaaba: Vast crowds of robed Muslim pilgrims walked solemn circles around Kaaba, black cube at Makkah’s Grand Masjid as biggest Hajj pilgrimage in several years began in heat of Saudi summer.

Islam’s holiest site is expected to host more than two million worshippers from 160 countries during annual rites that could break attendance records, with 1.6 million foreigners already there by late Friday. “This year, we will witness largest Hajj pilgrimage in history,” if things go according to plan, predicted an official with Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

“Numbers will exceed 2.5 million pilgrims,” added official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak with press. Hajj began early on Sunday with “Tawaf” circumambulation of Kaaba, large cubic structure draped in black cloth with gold trimmings that millions of Muslims pray towards every day. “I am living most beautiful days of my life,” said Abdel-Azim, 65-year-old Egyptian as he performed ritual. “Dream has come true,” added retiree, who had saved up for 20 years to pay $ 6,000 fee to take part. Hajj is one of five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims with means. Series of rites are completed over four days in Makkah and its surroundings in west of oil-rich Saudi Arabia. On Sunday night, pilgrims will start moving to Mina, about five kilometres from Grand Masjid, ahead of Hajj’s climax at Mount Arafat, where Prophet (PBUH) is believed to have delivered his final sermon.

Mina, world’s largest tent city, readied to receive influx of pilgrims on Sunday, with food supplies brought in and security forces deployed around area.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 26 2023

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