Hajj Pilgrimage Begins Amid Gaza Conflict and Sweltering Heat
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has commenced in Mecca amidst the ongoing Gaza war and intense summer heat. Pilgrims from around the globe, dressed in simple white garments, circle the Kaaba, the black cubic structure at the heart of the Grand Mosque. This year, many express sorrow and solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Pilgrims’ Solidarity with Gaza
“Seeing the suffering in Gaza is heartbreaking,” said 75-year-old Zahra Benizahra from Morocco, her eyes filled with tears. Similarly, Belinda Elham from Indonesia, the country with the world’s largest Muslim population, shared her hopes for peace, saying, “I will pray every day for an end to the conflict in Palestine.”
The conflict in Gaza erupted following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,194 deaths, predominantly civilians. In retaliation, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has led to the deaths of at least 37,232 people, as reported by the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory.
Saudi Arabia’s Response
Saudi King Salman has extended an invitation to 1,000 pilgrims from the families of martyrs and the wounded from Gaza, bringing the total number of Palestinian pilgrims to 2,000 this year. However, Tawfiq al-Rabiah, the Gulf kingdom’s minister in charge of religious pilgrimages, has warned that “no political activity” will be tolerated during the Hajj.
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Enduring the Heat
The Hajj involves a series of rituals performed over several days in Mecca and its surrounding areas. This year, the pilgrimage coincides with the extreme heat of the Saudi summer, with temperatures predicted to reach as high as 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit). Last year’s Hajj saw more than 10,000 cases of heat-related illnesses, 10 percent of which were heat strokes.
In response, Saudi authorities have implemented various heat mitigation measures, including misting systems and heat-reflective road coverings. Pilgrims have been advised to drink at least 2 liters of water daily and to carry umbrellas to protect against the scorching sun.
A Sacred Journey
The journey begins with the “tawaf,” where pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times. They then travel to Mina, where they will spend the night in air-conditioned tents. The climax of the Hajj occurs with a day-long prayer session on Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon.
Many pilgrims have waited years for the opportunity to participate in this sacred journey, with permits allocated on a quota basis for each country. Nonaartina Hajipaoli, 50, from Brunei, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m speechless, I can’t describe what I feel.”
Last year’s Hajj saw over 1.8 million pilgrims, and by late Monday, approximately 1.5 million had already arrived for this year’s pilgrimage. The Saudi health ministry is vigilant, urging pilgrims to stay hydrated and take precautions against the intense heat.
As the Hajj pilgrimage continues, it remains a powerful symbol of faith and unity, drawing Muslims from all corners of the world to Mecca, even amidst global conflicts and challenging conditions.
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