Saudi Arabia Welcomes Around 1.5 Million Hajj Pilgrims So Far
Around 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia so far for this year’s annual Hajj pilgrimage, according to Saudi officials. The majority of the pilgrims arrived by air, and the Hajj is expected to begin on Monday. This year’s pilgrimage will not have the restrictions imposed during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, and more pilgrims are expected to arrive before the start of the Hajj.
The Saudi media ministry reported on Thursday that over 1.49 million foreign pilgrims had arrived at its international ports as of Wednesday, with 1.43 million arriving by air. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, over 2.4 million Muslims made the pilgrimage. Saudi officials anticipate that the number of pilgrims in 2023 will reach pre-pandemic levels.
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, and this year’s pilgrimage is expected to be one of the largest in recent years.
The Hajj is a time for Muslims to come together from all over the world to worship Allah and to reaffirm their faith. It is a journey that is both physically and spiritually demanding, but it is also a journey that is deeply rewarding.
The Saudi government has made significant preparations for this year’s Hajj, and they are confident that it will be a safe and successful event. They have increased the number of visas available, and they have made improvements to the infrastructure in Mecca and Medina. They have also implemented a number of measures to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims, including requiring them to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Hajj is a truly unique and special experience, and it is one that all Muslims should aspire to undertake at least once in their lifetime. This year’s pilgrimage is sure to be a memorable one, and it is one that will be cherished by all who participate.
