MAKKAH: Thousands of Muslim pilgrims have started leaving the holy city after completing the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which this year took place under intense heat and amid heightened regional tensions.
More than 1.7 million Muslims from around 165 countries participated in one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
The pilgrimage was held against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including tensions linked to US-Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent regional fallout. Since the outbreak of hostilities in February, Iran has reportedly responded with drone and missile attacks targeting various locations across the region.
Iranian authorities said participation from their citizens was lower than expected, with over 30,000 Iranian pilgrims making the journey instead of the initially planned 86,000, citing the “wartime situation.”
Despite the difficult conditions, pilgrims described completing the rituals as deeply emotional and fulfilling. “I can’t believe I completed Hajj,” said one Egyptian pilgrim, while others expressed gratitude for performing the rites safely despite extreme weather.
Elderly pilgrims also shared emotional moments, with many describing the pilgrimage as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream after decades of waiting.
As part of the final rites, pilgrims completed the symbolic stoning ritual in Mina, where pebbles are thrown at pillars representing temptation. They are now concluding their journey with the farewell tawaf at the Grand Mosque, circling the Holy Kaaba before departing Makkah.
Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, is a mandatory pilgrimage for those physically and financially able to undertake it, involving a series of rituals performed over several days.
This year’s pilgrimage again took place in extreme heat conditions. Following last year’s fatalities linked to soaring temperatures, Saudi authorities increased safety measures, including expanded shaded areas and additional medical support.
According to the Saudi Red Crescent, tens of thousands of pilgrims received medical assistance during the Hajj season.
