The annual holy Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims is exacting a heavy toll on the pilgrims. According to Saudi officials, more than 2,000 people suffered heat stress on Thursday as temperatures soared to 48C (118F).

The annual holy Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims is exacting a heavy toll on the pilgrims. According to Saudi officials, more than 2,000 people suffered heat stress on Thursday as temperatures soared to 48C (118F). “The number of heat stress cases since the beginning of this day has reached 1,721,” the Saudi health ministry announced the toll, adding to the 287 reported cases earlier. The ministry added that most injuries resulted due to failure on the pilgrims' part to adhere to the instructions they had been issued. It called on pilgrims to not exhaust themselves with excessive movement without necessity, as well as not stand for a long time. Although a death toll was not provided, an AFP report stated at least 230 - many from Indonesia had died during the pilgrimage. Indonesian consul general in Jeddah Eko Hartono reported at least 209 Indonesians died during the Hajj. Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim country and a big proportion of pilgrims come from the Southeast Asian nation. “It is inaccurate to say that a lot of Indonesian pilgrims died because of heatstrokes,” said Hartono, adding that causes of death were mostly due to heart and respiratory ailments. He, however, acknowledged that some pilgrims had “fainted” during the days-long pilgrimage “because of the heat”. WATCH | Biggest Hajj of the post-pandemic era nears end × A 114-year-old pilgrim from Iran died due to a heart attack during the pilgrimage, taking the toll of Iranian deaths to 10. Meanwhile, eight Algerians and four Moroccans also died in the kingdom. The real figure for deaths due to heat stress is expected to go up as authorities sift through the cases. The kingdom is becoming increasingly hot due to climate change. The 2021 United Nations’ intergovernmental panel on climate change has warned that parts of the Gulf could become uninhabitable by the end of the century if the current trend continues. Breaking three-year Covid restrictions This year's Hajj was a departure from the restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic over the last three years. The kingdom also scrapped the age limit of 18 to 65 for vaccinated pilgrims that was imposed due to the pandemic. According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), 1,845,045 pilgrims performed the holy pilgrimage this year. Of these, 1,660,915 pilgrims came from outside the Kingdom through various ports, while the number of domestic pilgrims reached 184,130, including both citizens and residents. Also read: Saudi Arabia: Women Hajj pilgrims no longer need to be accompanied by male guardian In 2022, the kingdom opened its gates for nearly one million people with foreign visitors being allowed for the first time in two years The pilgrimage is one of five pillars of Islam, which all able-bodied Muslims with the means are required to perform at least once. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Hajj 2023: Over 2,000 suffer heatstroke as temperatures reach nearly 50C

Hajj pilgrimage 2023:&nbsp;&nbsp;Every year, the Muslim community performs Hajj in the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic calendar. Youme Arafah, Standing on the Plains of Mount Arafat, is the main ritual of the annual pilgrimage. The Haj Committee of India will soon publish the Hajj 2023 registration form on their official website, hajcommittee.gov.in. Thousands of Indian Muslims are expected to apply for the Hajj pilgrimage every year to Saudi Arabia.

People who wish to undertake the Hajj this year have to register themselves by filling out the Hajj 2023 application form whenever it is made available.&nbsp;Union Ministry of Minority Affairs is the nodal ministry to conduct the Haj pilgrimage in India. Haj pilgrimage for the Indian pilgrims is conducted either through the Haj Committee of India (HCoI), or through the Haj Group Organisers (HGOs) dully approved by the ministry.

India has signed the Hajj 2023 bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia to ease the entire journey of the Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia has allocated a quota of 1,75,025 to India. To make the registration process easier, India has digitised the entire process through Hajj mobile app, health facility, e-MASIHA, and e-luggage pre-tagging, and by linking the HGOs&nbsp;with the digital system which has simplified the procedures for pilgrims.&nbsp;

<h2>Steps to register for Hajj 2023 for Indian Citizen:</h2>

1. Visit the official website of hajcommittee.gov.in 
2. Click on “HAJ FORM” and select “Apply’’. 
3. Click on “NEW USER REGISTRATION” : 
4. After clicking on “NEW USER REGISTRATION” 
5. Fill out the registration form carefully. 
6. Applicants have to fill in their Mobile Number, Email ID, 7. First Name, and Last Name. 
8. Choose a strong password and reconfirm the password. 
9. Enter the security code. 
10. Click on “Submit Details” 
11. On successful submission of registration details, a system-generated OTP &nbsp;will be sent to the mobile number provided in the registration form.&nbsp; 
12. Activate user-id by entering the OTP number and clicking on the ‘’SUBMIT’’ button.

<h2>What documents are required for Hajj 2023 registration?</h2>

The following documents are required before applying for the Hajj 2023:

1. Passport 
2. Bank Account Number&nbsp; 
3. Mobile Number&nbsp; 
4. Aadhaar Card

There is no age limit to perform Hajj rituals.

<h2>What is the cost to visit Mecca, Madina from India?</h2>

In India, there are many packages available to choose from to perform Hajj in Saudi Arabia. But the approximate cost of visiting Mecca, Madina from India can cost INR 98,000 to INR 1,08,000 for 15 days. All Hajj packages include the charges of an Umrah visa, airfares, accommodation, 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and transportation.&nbsp;

Hajj pilgrimage 2023: Every year, the Muslim community performs Hajj in the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic calendar. Youme Arafah, Standing on the Plains of Mount Arafat, is the main ritual of the annual pilgrimage.

Hajj pilgrimage 2023: Every year, the Muslim community performs Hajj in the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic calendar. Youme Arafah, Standing on the Plains of Mount Arafat, is the main ritual of the annual pilgrimage. The Haj Committee of India will soon publish the Hajj 2023 registration form on their official website, hajcommittee.gov.in. Thousands of Indian Muslims are expected to apply for the Hajj pilgrimage every year to Saudi Arabia. People who wish to undertake the Hajj this year have to register themselves by filling out the Hajj 2023 application form whenever it is made available. Union Ministry of Minority Affairs is the nodal ministry to conduct the Haj pilgrimage in India. Haj pilgrimage for the Indian pilgrims is conducted either through the Haj Committee of India (HCoI), or through the Haj Group Organisers (HGOs) dully approved by the ministry. India has signed the Hajj 2023 bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia to ease the entire journey of the Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia has allocated a quota of 1,75,025 to India. To make the registration process easier, India has digitised the entire process through Hajj mobile app, health facility, e-MASIHA, and e-luggage pre-tagging, and by linking the HGOs with the digital system which has simplified the procedures for pilgrims. Steps to register for Hajj 2023 for Indian Citizen: 1. Visit the official website of hajcommittee.gov.in 2. Click on “HAJ FORM” and select “Apply’’. 3. Click on “NEW USER REGISTRATION” : 4. After clicking on “NEW USER REGISTRATION” 5. Fill out the registration form carefully. 6. Applicants have to fill in their Mobile Number, Email ID, 7. First Name, and Last Name. 8. Choose a strong password and reconfirm the password. 9. Enter the security code. 10. Click on “Submit Details” 11. On successful submission of registration details, a system-generated OTP will be sent to the mobile number provided in the registration form. 12. Activate user-id by entering the OTP number and clicking on the ‘’SUBMIT’’ button. What documents are required for Hajj 2023 registration? The following documents are required before applying for the Hajj 2023: 1. Passport 2. Bank Account Number 3. Mobile Number 4. Aadhaar Card There is no age limit to perform Hajj rituals. What is the cost to visit Mecca, Madina from India? In India, there are many packages available to choose from to perform Hajj in Saudi Arabia. But the approximate cost of visiting Mecca, Madina from India can cost INR 98,000 to INR 1,08,000 for 15 days. All Hajj packages include the charges of an Umrah visa, airfares, accommodation, 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and transportation.

Hajj 2023: Registrations for Indians to begin soon, know all document requirements, cost to visit Mecca & more

Breaking a three-year rule of restrictions to curb the Covid-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia on Monday announced there will be no limit on the number of pilgrims for this year's Hajj.

Breaking a three-year rule of restrictions to curb the Covid-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia on Monday announced there will be no limit on the number of pilgrims for this year's Hajj. The kingdom also scrapped the age limit of 18 to 65 for vaccinated pilgrims that was imposed due to the pandemic. "The number of pilgrims will return to what it was before the pandemic, without any age limit," Umrah Tawfiq al-Rabiah, minister of Hajj was quoted as saying by AFP. During the opening of #Hajj_Expo 2023, H.E. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq AlRabiah announces: “Number of Hajj pilgrims in 1444H will return to how it was before the Coronavirus pandemic without age restrictions.”#Makkah_and_Madinah_Eagerly_Await_You pic.twitter.com/IZaPNqapIV — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) January 9, 2023 × This year's Hajj pilgrimage is scheduled to begin in June. Last year, the kingdom opened its gates for nearly one million people with foreign visitors being allowed for the first time in two years. WATCH | Saudi Arabia: Women can now attend Hajj without male guardian × In the end, over 900,000 pilgrims, including some 780,000 from abroad visited the holy sites of Mecca and Medina for the pilgrimage. Last year in October, the Saudi authorities, took another progressive step and announced that a woman pilgrim no longer needed to be accompanied by a male guardian or 'mahram' to perform Hajj. Experts believe that such changes are expected to drive the number of pilgrims visiting the country substantially. Additionally, local reports have stated that the ministry will give priority to those during the registration who have not made the pilgrimage before. Read more: Saudi Arabia: Women Hajj pilgrims no longer need to be accompanied by male guardian The pilgrimage is one of five pillars of Islam, which all able-bodied Muslims with the means are required to perform at least once. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

No restrictions on number of Hajj pilgrims this year, announces Saudi Arabia

Bittersweet emotions as Saudi welcomes one million for biggest hajj pilgrimage since pandemic - see pics

Saudi authorities are all set to welcome Muslims from abroad for the annual hajj after two years. In the past two years, pilgrims who were not already in the kingdom were barred because of the restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Saudi authorities are all set to welcome Muslims from abroad for the annual hajj after two years. In the past two years, pilgrims who were not already in the kingdom were barred because of the restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But recently, the Saudi government announced that pilgrims from Europe, the United States and Australia could no longer book through travel agencies. The authorities said that they would instead have to apply through a lottery system. The move was announced weeks before the start of the pilgrimage to Mecca from 7 to 12 July. The Saudi government's move has apparently led to confusion among some of the British Muslims who booked pilgrimages to Mecca. Media reports have mentioned that the announcement by Saudi Arabia is a move to crack down on fraudulent travel agency firms. ALSO READ | Australia: Muslims accuse Twitter of failing to take action against accounts that incite hatred As per reports by UK-based media outlets, people are unable to board a flight due to the problems with a new Saudi registration system continue. Not just the pilgrims, the travel companies are also impacted. As reported by The Guardian, the sudden change could cause even genuine travel firms to go out of business. As per the reports, travellers potentially lose thousands of pounds. It is understood tha the moon of Zil Hajj is likely to be sighted on the evening of June 30. It will mark the start of the holy month. The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is meant to be undertaken by all Muslims who are able and have the means at least once in their lives. It consists of a series of religious rites that are completed over five days in Islam's holiest city, Mecca, and surrounding areas of western Saudi Arabia. ALSO READ | US moving to establish an Asia-style NATO, says North Korea Pilgrims face growing heat stroke risks Apart from the ticket chaos, pilgrims also face growing heat stroke risks as scientists have warned that the sacred rite is under threat due to deadly rising heat. The risk of pilgrims suffering life-threatening heat stroke could rise five-fold with global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial times, found the study in the journal Environmental Research Letters. With an increase of 2C - the less ambitious goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement - the probability becomes 10 times higher, said Climate Analytics, a Berlin-based think-tank. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Travel cos face losses, applicants confused over Saudi's Hajj registration system

Saudi Arabia will be hosting another small scaled hajj, the annual pilgrimage for muslims. Only fully vaccinated residents will be allowed to visit the holy shrine. Watch this report to know more.

Saudi Arabia: Only fully vaccinated individuals to partake in Hajj pilgrimage

COVID-19 has also impacted the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The government has made COVID-19 vaccine jab mandatory for the pilgrims visiting Hajj.

'Only vaccinated pilgrims allowed in Mecca': Saudi Arabia

China on Tuesday announced new rules for Muslims embarking upon the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Stipulating that the pilgrimage should be organised only by the country's Islamic Association, Bejing has ordered Chinese Muslims not to oppose the regulations.

China announces new regulations for Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj

Muslims return to Saudi Arabia for Hajj Pilgrimage amid the pandemic. Muslims gather at a grand mosque for the pilgrimage. Watch this video to know more.

Muslims return to Saudi Arabia for Hajj Pilgrimage amid the pandemic

Saudi Arabia usually attracts millions of Muslims from all over the world, which makes the Hajj an important source of income for the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia to see just 10,000 Hajj pilgrims this year

Saudi Arabia has issued new health guidelines for the pilgrims during hajj pilgrimage in Mecca due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-challenges-us-to-cut-nuclear-arsenal-to-its-level-311541" hreflang="en">China challenges US to cut nuclear arsenal to its level</a>

According to the guidelines, the pilgrims will be allowed to drink the holy water from the Zamzam well in plastic bottles. Pebbles that were used by pilgrims to cast away evils and picked along the hajj route, will be sterilised and bagged.&nbsp;

It will be compulsory for pilgrims to bring their own rugs. Saudi Arabia decided in June to limit the number of domestic pilgrims attending the hajj to around 1,000 to prevent the spread of the virus.

Touching the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, will be banned during the hajj this year, and a social distancing space of a meter and a half between each pilgrim during the rituals including mass prayers and while in the Kaaba circling area will be imposed, a statement by the Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) elaborated.

Saudi Arabia is one of the worst-hit middle eastern countries in terms of coronavirus pandemic. The Kingdom witnesses over 3,000 to 4,000 cases daily bringing the total number to over 213,000.&nbsp;

The country has reported 1,968 deaths due to virus.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has issued new health guidelines for the pilgrims during hajj pilgrimage in Mecca due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: China challenges US to cut nuclear arsenal to its level According to the guidelines, the pilgrims will be allowed to drink the holy water from the Zamzam well in plastic bottles.

Saudi Arabia has issued new health guidelines for the pilgrims during hajj pilgrimage in Mecca due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: China challenges US to cut nuclear arsenal to its level According to the guidelines, the pilgrims will be allowed to drink the holy water from the Zamzam well in plastic bottles. Pebbles that were used by pilgrims to cast away evils and picked along the hajj route, will be sterilised and bagged. It will be compulsory for pilgrims to bring their own rugs. Saudi Arabia decided in June to limit the number of domestic pilgrims attending the hajj to around 1,000 to prevent the spread of the virus. Touching the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, will be banned during the hajj this year, and a social distancing space of a meter and a half between each pilgrim during the rituals including mass prayers and while in the Kaaba circling area will be imposed, a statement by the Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) elaborated. Saudi Arabia is one of the worst-hit middle eastern countries in terms of coronavirus pandemic. The Kingdom witnesses over 3,000 to 4,000 cases daily bringing the total number to over 213,000. The country has reported 1,968 deaths due to virus.

Bottled holy water, sterilised pebbles: Saudi issues new health guidelines during Hajj

Saudi Arabia has announced it will hold a "very limited" hajj this year, with pilgrims already present in the kingdom allowed to perform the annual ritual. The development comes as the country moves to contain the biggest coronavirus outbreak in the Gulf.

Saudi Arabia has announced it will hold a "very limited" hajj this year, with pilgrims already present in the kingdom allowed to perform the annual ritual. The development comes as the country moves to contain the biggest coronavirus outbreak in the Gulf. The decision marks the first time in Saudi Arabia's modern history that Muslims outside the kingdom have been barred from performing the hajj, which last year drew 2.5 million pilgrims. The kingdom's hajj ministry said the ritual will be open to various nationalities already in Saudi Arabia, but it did not specify a number. "It was decided to hold the pilgrimage this year with very limited numbers... with different nationalities in the kingdom," the official Saudi Press Agency said on Monday, citing the ministry. Also read: Saudi Arabia to end virus curfew on June 21, except in Mecca "This decision is taken to ensure the hajj is performed in a safe manner from a public health perspective... and in accordance with the teachings of Islam." The hajj -- a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime -- could be a major source of contagion, as it packs millions of pilgrims into congested religious sites. Also read: COVID 19: On Saudi Arabia's advice, Haj arrangements are on hold The decision comes as Saudi Arabia grapples to contain a major spike in virus, which have now risen to more than 161,000 cases -- the highest in the Gulf -- and over 1,300 deaths. But despite the surge, Saudi Arabia on Sunday moved to end a coronavirus curfew across the kingdom and lift restrictions on businesses, including cinemas and other entertainment venues. (With inputs from AFP)

Amid coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Arabia to hold 'very limited' hajj this year

More than 2 million pilgrims gathered in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia on Friday to perform initial rites of the hajj, an Islamic pilgrimage that takes the faithful along a path traversed by the Prophet Muhammad some 1,400 years ago.

2 million pilgrims begin annual Hajj in Mecca

Around <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/more-than-17-million-muslims-gather-for-start-of-hajj/2017/08/30/5f03d726-8d60-11e7-9c53-6a169beb0953_story.html?utm_term=.c7c4707d4140">1.7 million Muslims</a> have gathered this year in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage &ndash; <a href="http://www.dictionary.com/browse/hajj">the hajj</a>. The five-day pilgrimage <a href="http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/history/middle-east-history/hajj-pilgrimage-islam?format=HB&amp;isbn=9781107030510#r1EAFLxwIhcoTB6d.97">is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation</a> for all Muslims who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey.

So, what is the hajj and what is its spiritual significance?

The fifth pillar

Millions of Muslims from diverse countries such as Indonesia, Russia, India, Cuba, Fiji, the United States, Nigeria and others congregate in Mecca during the last month of the Muslim lunar year.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/184265/width754/file-20170831-32045-gdggwc.jpg" />
<figcaption>
Pilgrims dressed in white garments. <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aljazeeraenglish/4123390204/in/photolist-7hnsfy-dqsVVf-7duYF4-8RpkCH-79riDe-f7bkTc-4Hh1A1-5VrCdR-5EQert-aECwxs-WfuiKx-5Zp6RG-5vEWkL-5Zp3Nd-UkvMJu-bbLaB4-baMrWa-dnXjRu-aaj4Pe-7yfUEo-6X522A-aNLLcn-dtNpmB-prVQPP-xpBTq-efCN2o-7ZiP1B-7ab1dG-7ab1du-eg4WRc-689Sed-fntKkM-RaUt4-5YD77K-7iU1uN-Sk6Z3y-5Xbum3-8UiyE8-vNjgG-pS5hEz-62kErs-dtw7BT-RtMFKv-5L8q5Y-5MNzJw-aECKRw-S8Wdyh-2jjQt-Jq48b-baj3MZ">Al Jazeera English</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>

Pilgrims wear plain, white garments. Men drape seamless, unstitched clothing and women dress in plain white dresses and headscarves. The idea behind dressing simply is to mask any differences in wealth and status.

The pilgrimage is considered the fifth pillar of Islamic practice (the other four being the profession of faith, five daily prayers, charity and <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-ramadan-is-called-ramadan-6-questions-answered-77291">the fast of Ramadan</a>). In calling Muslims to perform the hajj, the Quran <a href="http://www.quranexplorer.com/quran/">says</a>,

&ldquo;Proclaim to men the Pilgrimage: they will come to thee on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every remote path.&rdquo;

The rites of the hajj are believed to retrace events from the lives of prominent prophets such as Ibrahim and Ismail.

The first day of the hajj

Pilgrims start by circling <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">the &ldquo;Holy Kaaba</a>,&rdquo; the black, cube-shaped house of God (at the centre of the most sacred mosque in Mecca), seven times.

The Kaaba occupies a central place in the lives of Muslims. In all parts of the world, Muslims are expected to turn toward the Kaaba when performing their daily prayers.

Specific rules <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">concerning going around</a> the Kaaba are prescribed for pilgrims. They may also kiss, touch or approach the Kaaba during the pilgrimage as a sign of their respect and continued devotion.

The Quran tells the story of Ibrahim&rsquo;s sacrifice, who when commanded by God, agreed to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Muslims believe the Kaaba holds the black stone upon which Ibrahim was called to sacrifice Ismail.

In performing the rituals, they join in a long line of pilgrims to Mecca &ndash; <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-life-of-muhammad-9780196360331?cc=us&amp;lang=en&amp;">including Prophet Muhammad</a> &ndash; who circled the Kaaba.

Pilgrims then proceed to a ritual walking &ndash; about 100 meters from the Kaaba &ndash; to hills known as &ldquo;Safa&rdquo; and &ldquo;Marwah.&rdquo; Here they re-create <a href="http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/history/middle-east-history/hajj-pilgrimage-islam?format=HB&amp;isbn=9781107030510">another significant event</a> recorded in the Quran: when Ibrahim was granted a son by God through his Egyptian slave girl Hajar. After the birth of Ismail, God instructed Ibrahim to take Hajar and her newborn son out into the desert and leave them there. Ibrahim left them near the present-day location of the Kaaba. Ismail cried out with thirst and Hajar ran between two hills, looking for water until she turned to God for help.

God rewarded Hajar for her patience and sent his angel Jibreel to reveal a spring, which today is known as &ldquo;Zamzam Well.&rdquo; Pilgrims drink water from the sacred well and may take some home for blessings.

The second day of the hajj

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/184267/width754/file-20170831-22397-zsohp9.jpg" />
<figcaption>
Pilgrims praying on Arafat. <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aljazeeraenglish/4135906354/in/photolist-7itASf-7ipEj8-7m6S5M-4kgEVJ-7iw61y-8TRppx-97r2W7-arbDH-7iscY6-7ifhd9-7ygqjr-7hX95R-fBsJ1X-7ykfkW-7ygrB8-7ygrne-7ykeTq-an6Zn-8TULHS-5Hycc7-5HtS4v-7ykf8J-5Hu33g-5HtUxP-7ygrbR-5HyeCd-5HtTPn-5HyrAE-8TUqFh-7ygrRD-8TRKpi-5HtRhv-8TRnNz-8TREd4-7ykdSq-4qY7wP-an6Zo-arbS4-qXKmg2-dcec1H-8TRzCc-8TUp9s-8TRU4c-7rR3ib-8TUVES-8TRJ9r-8TRH3K-8TRSuH-8TUUFE-8TRx2n">Al Jazeera English</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>

The hajj &ldquo;climaxes&rdquo; with a sojourn into the plains of Arafat near Mecca. There, pilgrims gather in tents, spend time with one another and perform prayers. Some pilgrims will ascend a hill known as the &ldquo;Mount of Mercy,&rdquo; where Prophet Muhammad delivered the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farewell_Sermon">farewell sermon</a> toward the end of his life.

They then proceed to an open plain near Mecca, often a highlight of the journey for many pilgrims. Muslims believe that the <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">spirit of God comes closer to Earth</a> in this place at the time of the pilgrimage.

As a scholar of global Islam, during my fieldwork, I have interviewed those who have gone on the hajj. They have described to me their personal experiences.

Many pilgrims, when standing in the plains of Arafat, <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=LkmkAwAAQBAJ&amp;pg=PA60&amp;lpg=PA60&amp;dq=a+close+communion+with+god+plains+of+arafat&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=xfljL0qqXO&amp;sig=ST3pnAIcye_QJ2ZbbcPA2gfMBIM&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjitdWOp4LWAhVDQiYKHamnA9QQ6AEIPjAG#v=onepage&amp;q=a%20close%20communion%20with%20god%20plains%20of%20arafat&amp;f=false">feel a close communion with God.</a>

Final three days

Afterwards, pilgrims move to Mina, also known as the Tent City, about five kilometres from the holy city of Mecca. Here, they reenact another part of the story of Ibrahim&rsquo;s test of faith in the sacrifice of his son.

They recall how Satan tried to tempt Ibrahim to disobey <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-muslims-celebrate-eid-twice-a-year-6-questions-answered-80949">God&rsquo;s call to sacrifice Ismail</a>. Ibrahim, however, remained unmoved and informed Ismail, who was willing to be sacrificed. To reenact Ibrahim&rsquo;s rebuff of Satan&rsquo;s temptation, pilgrims throw small stones at a stone pillar.

They then proceed to follow Ibrahim in the act of sacrifice. The Quran says just as Ibrahim attempted to kill his son, God intervened and a ram was sacrificed in place of Ismail. In remembrance, Muslims all over the world sacrifice an animal on this day. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-muslims-celebrate-eid-twice-a-year-6-questions-answered-80949">&ldquo;festival of the sacrifice&rdquo; is known as Eid al-Adha</a>.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/184266/width754/file-20170831-2020-czju2i.jpg" />
<figcaption>
Pilgrims stoning the devil in Mina. <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aljazeeraenglish/4142094316/in/photolist-7iXrgk-7iXrAK-7iXrqk-7j2iPq-8U9pyc-7iXrtK-7iXrxn-7j2jd3-7j2jfj-7ykkpd-7j2iSQ-7j2jkf-7j2j7E-7iXrcV-7j2jFy-7j2jJU-7ykk2L-7iXr7Z-7iXriZ-7iXryR-7j2job-7j2iVd-7iBtP1-7j2jGS-7iXrSX-7ykhiS-7ygxAz-7iXrLe-7j2j2d-7ygwp8-8UbHdp">Al Jazeera English</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>

Many pilgrims spend the next few days repeating the stoning at Mina (at least six more times) and going around the Holy Kaaba in Mecca (at least once more). Pilgrims also start to put on their everyday clothes <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">to indicate a transition to their worldly life</a>.

It is believed that a proper performance of the hajj can absolve Muslim pilgrims of any previous sins. However, Muslims also believe that just undertaking the pilgrimage is not enough: <a href="http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/history/middle-east-history/hajj-pilgrimage-islam#O3cwEbjxDttkhEyF.97">It is up to God to judge the pilgrimage as acceptable or not.</a>

Creating one Muslim community

The hajj is a massive <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/08/world/meast/how-hi-tech-manages-millions-during-the-hajj/index.html">organisational project</a> for the Saudi authorities. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/08/world/meast/how-hi-tech-manages-millions-during-the-hajj/index.html">Issues concerning</a> crowd management, security, traffic and tensions constantly plague the successful organisation of the annual event. A deadly stampede in 2015 left <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/25/middleeast/hajj-pilgrimage-stampede/index.html">over 700 dead</a>.

There are other ongoing tensions as well: Some <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-shia-sunni-divide-78216">Shia</a> governments such as Iran, for example, have levelled <a href="http://www.alterinter.org/spip.php?article4502">charges alleging discrimination</a> by <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-shia-sunni-divide-78216">Sunni</a> Saudi authorities. Furthermore, this year, citizens of <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/hajj-qataris-year-saudi-row-170825192148831.html">Qatar were not able to perform the hajj</a> following the decision by Saudi Arabia and three other Arab nations to sever diplomatic ties with the country.

To address such issues, <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=6VeCWQfVNjkC&amp;q=OIC#v=snippet&amp;q=OIC&amp;f=false">many Muslims have called</a> for the <a href="http://www.oic-oci.org/">Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC)</a>, an intergovernmental organisation, to put together an international, multi-partisan committee to organise the pilgrimage.

Perhaps that could help avoid regional or sectarian conflicts. The hajj, after all, is any individual Muslim&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">single most</a> symbolic ritual act that reflects <a href="http://imjcr.com/journals/imjcr/Vol_3_No_1_June_2014/3.pdf">the ideal of unity</a>.

<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/83284/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />By requiring Muslims to do the same clothes, pray in the same spaces and perform the same rituals, the hajj creates a global Muslim community, with no class distinctions.

&nbsp;

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/explaining-the-muslim-pilgrimage-of-hajj-83284">original article</a>.

The goal of hajj is to create a global Muslim community, with no class distinctions but citizens of Qatar can't undertake hajj this year.

Around 1.7 million Muslims have gathered this year in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage – the hajj. The five-day pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all Muslims who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey. So, what is the hajj and what is its spiritual significance? The fifth pillar Millions of Muslims from diverse countries such as Indonesia, Russia, India, Cuba, Fiji, the United States, Nigeria and others congregate in Mecca during the last month of the Muslim lunar year. Pilgrims dressed in white garments. Al Jazeera English, CC BY-NC Pilgrims wear plain, white garments. Men drape seamless, unstitched clothing and women dress in plain white dresses and headscarves. The idea behind dressing simply is to mask any differences in wealth and status. The pilgrimage is considered the fifth pillar of Islamic practice (the other four being the profession of faith, five daily prayers, charity and the fast of Ramadan). In calling Muslims to perform the hajj, the Quran says, “Proclaim to men the Pilgrimage: they will come to thee on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every remote path.” The rites of the hajj are believed to retrace events from the lives of prominent prophets such as Ibrahim and Ismail. The first day of the hajj Pilgrims start by circling the “Holy Kaaba,” the black, cube-shaped house of God (at the centre of the most sacred mosque in Mecca), seven times. The Kaaba occupies a central place in the lives of Muslims. In all parts of the world, Muslims are expected to turn toward the Kaaba when performing their daily prayers. Specific rules concerning going around the Kaaba are prescribed for pilgrims. They may also kiss, touch or approach the Kaaba during the pilgrimage as a sign of their respect and continued devotion. The Quran tells the story of Ibrahim’s sacrifice, who when commanded by God, agreed to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Muslims believe the Kaaba holds the black stone upon which Ibrahim was called to sacrifice Ismail. In performing the rituals, they join in a long line of pilgrims to Mecca – including Prophet Muhammad – who circled the Kaaba. Pilgrims then proceed to a ritual walking – about 100 meters from the Kaaba – to hills known as “Safa” and “Marwah.” Here they re-create another significant event recorded in the Quran: when Ibrahim was granted a son by God through his Egyptian slave girl Hajar. After the birth of Ismail, God instructed Ibrahim to take Hajar and her newborn son out into the desert and leave them there. Ibrahim left them near the present-day location of the Kaaba. Ismail cried out with thirst and Hajar ran between two hills, looking for water until she turned to God for help. God rewarded Hajar for her patience and sent his angel Jibreel to reveal a spring, which today is known as “Zamzam Well.” Pilgrims drink water from the sacred well and may take some home for blessings. The second day of the hajj Pilgrims praying on Arafat. Al Jazeera English, CC BY-SA The hajj “climaxes” with a sojourn into the plains of Arafat near Mecca. There, pilgrims gather in tents, spend time with one another and perform prayers. Some pilgrims will ascend a hill known as the “Mount of Mercy,” where Prophet Muhammad delivered the farewell sermon toward the end of his life. They then proceed to an open plain near Mecca, often a highlight of the journey for many pilgrims. Muslims believe that the spirit of God comes closer to Earth in this place at the time of the pilgrimage. As a scholar of global Islam, during my fieldwork, I have interviewed those who have gone on the hajj. They have described to me their personal experiences. Many pilgrims, when standing in the plains of Arafat, feel a close communion with God. Final three days Afterwards, pilgrims move to Mina, also known as the Tent City, about five kilometres from the holy city of Mecca. Here, they reenact another part of the story of Ibrahim’s test of faith in the sacrifice of his son. They recall how Satan tried to tempt Ibrahim to disobey God’s call to sacrifice Ismail. Ibrahim, however, remained unmoved and informed Ismail, who was willing to be sacrificed. To reenact Ibrahim’s rebuff of Satan’s temptation, pilgrims throw small stones at a stone pillar. They then proceed to follow Ibrahim in the act of sacrifice. The Quran says just as Ibrahim attempted to kill his son, God intervened and a ram was sacrificed in place of Ismail. In remembrance, Muslims all over the world sacrifice an animal on this day. The “festival of the sacrifice” is known as Eid al-Adha. Pilgrims stoning the devil in Mina. Al Jazeera English, CC BY-SA Many pilgrims spend the next few days repeating the stoning at Mina (at least six more times) and going around the Holy Kaaba in Mecca (at least once more). Pilgrims also start to put on their everyday clothes to indicate a transition to their worldly life. It is believed that a proper performance of the hajj can absolve Muslim pilgrims of any previous sins. However, Muslims also believe that just undertaking the pilgrimage is not enough: It is up to God to judge the pilgrimage as acceptable or not. Creating one Muslim community The hajj is a massive organisational project for the Saudi authorities. Issues concerning crowd management, security, traffic and tensions constantly plague the successful organisation of the annual event. A deadly stampede in 2015 left over 700 dead. There are other ongoing tensions as well: Some Shia governments such as Iran, for example, have levelled charges alleging discrimination by Sunni Saudi authorities. Furthermore, this year, citizens of Qatar were not able to perform the hajj following the decision by Saudi Arabia and three other Arab nations to sever diplomatic ties with the country. To address such issues, many Muslims have called for the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an intergovernmental organisation, to put together an international, multi-partisan committee to organise the pilgrimage. Perhaps that could help avoid regional or sectarian conflicts. The hajj, after all, is any individual Muslim’s single most symbolic ritual act that reflects the ideal of unity. By requiring Muslims to do the same clothes, pray in the same spaces and perform the same rituals, the hajj creates a global Muslim community, with no class distinctions. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

What is the spiritual significance of hajj to a Muslim?

Iran and Saudi Arabia will soon exchange diplomatic visits, Tehran said, in a possible sign of tensions easing after the archrivals cut ties last year.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told local media the visits would take place after this year`s hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is due to start at the beginning of September.

&quot;Visas have been delivered for the two sides. The final steps need to be completed so our diplomats can go inspect our embassy and consulate in Saudi Arabia and for Saudi diplomats to come inspect their embassy and consulate,&quot; Zarif told news agency ISNA.

It would be the first exchange of diplomats between the two countries since they cut ties in January 2016, after Iranians stormed Saudi Arabia`s embassy in Tehran in response to the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.

There have been signs of a thaw in relations in recent months, including an agreement to allow Iranians to participate in this year`s hajj, a pilgrimage that Muslims must perform at least once in their lifetimes if they are able to do so.

Iranians were unable to attend the hajj last year after talks on security and logistics fell apart.

Relations between Tehran and Riyadh have been at their worst in years, with the countries trading frequent accusations of meddling and supporting different sides in conflicts in Syria and Yemen.

Zarif urged Riyadh to reconsider its foreign policy.

&quot;Saudi Arabia`s behaviour goes against its own interests. We want security and stability throughout the region and insist on the need to fight against the dangers that threaten us all,&quot; he said.

&quot;Saudi Arabia has not benefitted from two years of war and horrific acts against the Yemeni people, on the contrary,&quot; he said. &quot;It`s the same in Syria or in Bahrain. We hope they will choose another path.&quot;

&nbsp;

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told local media the diplomatic visits would take place after this year`s hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is due to start at the beginning of September

Iran and Saudi Arabia will soon exchange diplomatic visits, Tehran said, in a possible sign of tensions easing after the archrivals cut ties last year. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told local media the visits would take place after this year`s hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is due to start at the beginning of September. "Visas have been delivered for the two sides. The final steps need to be completed so our diplomats can go inspect our embassy and consulate in Saudi Arabia and for Saudi diplomats to come inspect their embassy and consulate," Zarif told news agency ISNA. It would be the first exchange of diplomats between the two countries since they cut ties in January 2016, after Iranians stormed Saudi Arabia`s embassy in Tehran in response to the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric. There have been signs of a thaw in relations in recent months, including an agreement to allow Iranians to participate in this year`s hajj, a pilgrimage that Muslims must perform at least once in their lifetimes if they are able to do so. Iranians were unable to attend the hajj last year after talks on security and logistics fell apart. Relations between Tehran and Riyadh have been at their worst in years, with the countries trading frequent accusations of meddling and supporting different sides in conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Zarif urged Riyadh to reconsider its foreign policy. "Saudi Arabia`s behaviour goes against its own interests. We want security and stability throughout the region and insist on the need to fight against the dangers that threaten us all," he said. "Saudi Arabia has not benefitted from two years of war and horrific acts against the Yemeni people, on the contrary," he said. "It`s the same in Syria or in Bahrain. We hope they will choose another path."

Iran, Saudi Arabia set to restore ties

Undeterred by a stampede that killed about &nbsp;2,300 people last year, about 1.5 million Muslims from Asia, Africa and points in between, begin the annual hajj in western Saudi Arabia today, AFP reported.&nbsp; 
 
The city of Mecca receives 20 million visitors annually, but around three million pilgrims of a religion, that has around 1.5 billion followers worldwide, visit the city during the annual pilgrimage. 
 
This year, however, tens of thousands of Iranians are absent because of long-running tensions between their Shiite nation and Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia. The tensions have increased between the two countries after last year&#39;s stampede killed 464 Iranian pilgrims, according to AFP. &nbsp; 
 
 
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam&nbsp; 
 
The pilgrims will complete preliminary rituals in Mecca at the Grand Mosque first and will start moving today, taking buses, trains or even on foot to Mina, about five kilometres east.&nbsp; 
 
During hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, Muslims retrace the footsteps of Prophet Mohammed who performed the same rituals about 1,400 years ago. 
 
Traditionally, the first day of Hajj offers a chance for the pilgrims to give water to their animals and store water. The pilgrims then proceed to Mount Arafat, for the peak of Hajj.&nbsp; 
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They then proceed to Mina, where white fireproof tents are set up for shelter. The tents can accommodate 2.6 million people.&nbsp; 
 
Mina becomes their base, where an expanse of white fireproof tents can accommodate 2.6 million pilgrims. 
 
Hajj to boost economy 
 
Ossama Fadhul al Bar, mayor of Mecca, has said large crowds will benefit the economy. 
 
&quot;For the state, the Hajj is a cost center, but for the private sector, it&#39;s a profit center. On an average, two million pilgrims contribute 17 billion dollars to the housing sector, 200 million to transportation and about 1.2 billion to the food and beverage sector. It&#39;s a season that has a huge impact on the city&#39;s economy.&quot; 
 
The kingdom also has an ambitious plan to expand the holy mosques, widen roads, and build trains and other transport infrastructure.&nbsp; 
 
The first phase is expected to cost 120 billion Dollars, reports Reuters. 
 
Till now the Mosque has been expanded from 300,000 to 1.5 million square metres. Its capacity has increased from 600,000 worshippers to two million. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Due to long-running tensions between Shia Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia, thousands of Iranians will be absent this year

Undeterred by a stampede that killed about 2,300 people last year, about 1.5 million Muslims from Asia, Africa and points in between, begin the annual hajj in western Saudi Arabia today, AFP reported. The city of Mecca receives 20 million visitors annually, but around three million pilgrims of a religion, that has around 1.5 billion followers worldwide, visit the city during the annual pilgrimage. This year, however, tens of thousands of Iranians are absent because of long-running tensions between their Shiite nation and Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia. The tensions have increased between the two countries after last year's stampede killed 464 Iranian pilgrims, according to AFP. Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam The pilgrims will complete preliminary rituals in Mecca at the Grand Mosque first and will start moving today, taking buses, trains or even on foot to Mina, about five kilometres east. During hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, Muslims retrace the footsteps of Prophet Mohammed who performed the same rituals about 1,400 years ago. Traditionally, the first day of Hajj offers a chance for the pilgrims to give water to their animals and store water. The pilgrims then proceed to Mount Arafat, for the peak of Hajj. During hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, Muslims retrace the footsteps of Prophet Mohammed who performed the same rituals about 1,400 years ago. They then proceed to Mina, where white fireproof tents are set up for shelter. The tents can accommodate 2.6 million people. Mina becomes their base, where an expanse of white fireproof tents can accommodate 2.6 million pilgrims. Hajj to boost economy Ossama Fadhul al Bar, mayor of Mecca, has said large crowds will benefit the economy. "For the state, the Hajj is a cost center, but for the private sector, it's a profit center. On an average, two million pilgrims contribute 17 billion dollars to the housing sector, 200 million to transportation and about 1.2 billion to the food and beverage sector. It's a season that has a huge impact on the city's economy." The kingdom also has an ambitious plan to expand the holy mosques, widen roads, and build trains and other transport infrastructure. The first phase is expected to cost 120 billion Dollars, reports Reuters. Till now the Mosque has been expanded from 300,000 to 1.5 million square metres. Its capacity has increased from 600,000 worshippers to two million. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Nearly 1.5 million Muslims begin annual haj in Saudi Arabia's Mecca

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