The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, officially began on Monday, with more than 1.5 million pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia from across the world.
Saudi officials said the influx comes as the region remains on edge due to a fragile ceasefire linked to the Iran war and wider geopolitical uncertainty.
Saleh bin Saad Al Murabba, commander of the Hajj passport forces, said the foreign pilgrim arrivals had surpassed 1.5 million. Many worshippers described a mix of gratitude and relief at being able to undertake the journey.
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A pilgrim and publisher of SolaceBase online newspaper, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos appreciated God Almighty for granting him the opportunity to perform his religious obligation, ‘’I am feeling blessed to have reached Mecca. “I am in a state of blessing and happiness,” he said. “It’s an indescribable feeling, truly. Thank God.”
Muslim worshippers performed special prayers at Ka’aba, Islam’s holiest place of worship, at the Grand Mosque complex on arrival in Makkah for the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam which must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means.
Also, the pilgrims have been arriving in Mina since Sunday night for the preparation for Arafat on Tuesday.
Standing on Mount Arafat on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah (the Day of Arafah) is the most vital pillar of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Nigerian pilgrims are being transported to Mina from Makkah to Mina by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and independent tour operators .
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