The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the most sacred religious duties for Muslims, officially began on Monday in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Millions of faithful from around the world have gathered here to perform the sacred rites despite scorching heat and concerns over armed conflict in the region.
According to Saudi officials, temperatures in Mecca have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in recent days, making travel and outdoor rituals extremely challenging. Rescue teams have been deployed along pilgrimage routes to provide medical assistance to those suffering from heatstroke or exhaustion. Saudi authorities have also advised pilgrims to drink plenty of water, use umbrellas, and avoid going out during peak heat hours.
Alongside the weather challenge, this year's pilgrimage takes place amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and Houthi rebel attacks in Yemen. Although no major security incidents were reported on the first day, security measures have been tightened around Mecca and other holy sites.
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, an obligation that every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform at least once in their lifetime. This year, Saudi Arabia expects to host about two million pilgrims, including faithful from Iran, Iraq, and other nations that have had tense relations with Riyadh in recent years.
