Hajj: The cyclone of pilgrims circling the Mecca

The ongoing hajj pilgrimage that began on June 26 is the largest in history. As coronavirus pandemic restrictions in place since 2020 have been fully relaxed, over two million white-robed pilgrims are expected to circle the Kaaba, the cubed structure at the epicentre of Islam's holiest site, until the end of the week. Performed over five to six days, the set of rituals is the high point of the annual pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam

Curated By: Madhu Kapparath

Published: Jun 28, 2023

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A Sudanese family at the holy Kaaba, arriving from Sudan to perform the annual Hajj in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 24, 2023. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so.

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Pilgrims scale the rocky Mount Arafat and pray from noon to dusk, where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon. This ritual is one of the seven performed over five to six days on the annual pilgrimage to Mecca on June 27, 2023.

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Pilgrims pick pebbles for a symbolic stoning of evil at Muzdalifah in Mecca on June 27, 2023. the pilgrimage can be traced back to Prophet Ibrahim roughly 4000 years ago, whom Allah commanded to build the Kaaba. After centuries, when Prophet Muhammad and his followers conquered Mecca in 630 AD, he reconsecrated the holy site, setting the rules and rites for Hajj that are followed today.

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A view of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2023. A mammoth logistical operation, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have spent billions over the years to improve infrastructure to accommodate an ever-increasing number of pilgrims.

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A child among the pilgrims in Mount Arafat, where all pilgrims pray from noon to dusk as part of a set of rites of Hajj. Saudi Arabia on June 27, 2023. Every year, Saudi Arabia sets country-wise quotas, determining the total number of pilgrims who can journey from any country.

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Hordes of Syrian amputees rest inside their tent near Mount Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage on June 27, 2023. Thousands of civilians who lost their limbs in the Syrian conflict and devastating earthquake have journeyed to the holy shrine.

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During the annual Hajj pilgrimage, a Muslim worshipper touches the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on June 24, 2023. The voyage is also a big revenue earner for Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, trying to diversify its economy by encouraging tourism.