Muslim faithful leave Mecca after hajj

Muslim pilgrims are leaving the holy city of Mecca after concluding the Hajj pilgrimage, an event marked by intense heat and the shadow of ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This year's Hajj saw over 1.7 million participants from 165 countries, making it one of the world's largest religious gatherings.

The pilgrimage took place against the backdrop of heightened tensions and conflict in the region. Notably, the number of Iranian pilgrims was significantly lower than expected, with Iran's IRNA state news agency attributing the drop to the "wartime situation." Approximately 30,000 Iranians made the journey, about a third of the 86,000 originally anticipated.

“

I can’t believe I completed the hajj. I am very happy that I completed the rituals safely. Hajj is truly exhausting, especially in such hot weather.

Despite the challenging conditions, including extreme heat and the broader geopolitical climate, many pilgrims expressed profound joy and a sense of accomplishment. Ahmed Mamdouh, a 37-year-old Egyptian performing Hajj for the first time, tearfully shared, "I am very happy that I completed the rituals safely. Hajj is truly exhausting, especially in such hot weather." Similarly, 74-year-old Algerian pilgrim Al-Zaoui described fulfilling a lifelong dream to perform Hajj with his wife of 50 years.

The Hajj involves a series of rituals over several days, including the symbolic "stoning of the devil" in Mina and the farewell "tawaf" around the Kaaba in Mecca. This year, Saudi authorities implemented heat-mitigation measures, such as increased shaded areas and additional health workers, following the deaths of over 1,300 people during the 2024 Hajj due to extreme temperatures. The Saudi Red Crescent reported providing emergency services to over 83,000 people during the Hajj season.

“

It was our dream to perform the Hajj together. Now that dream has come true after 50 years of marriage.