On Sunday, a massive gathering of Muslims from various parts of the world embarked on a solemn procession around the Kaaba. This marked the commencement of one of the largest hajj pilgrimages in recent years.
Anticipated to draw over two million worshippers from 160 nations, the holiest site in Islam is set to witness record-breaking attendance during the annual rites. By late Friday, 1.6 million foreign pilgrims had already arrived, setting the stage for a truly remarkable event.
“This year, we will witness the largest hajj pilgrimage in history,” if things go according to plan, predicted an official with the Saudi ministry of hajj and umrah.
“The numbers will exceed 2.5 million pilgrims,” added the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak with the press.
The hajj began early on Sunday with the “tawaf” — the circumambulation of the Kaaba, the large cubic structure draped in black cloth with gold trimmings that Muslims around the world pray towards every day.
