The Islamic pilgrimage Hajj (Hajj) has begun in Saudi Arabia. Crowds of people poured through the chambers and courtyard of Mecca’s Grand Mosque at the start Friday in the scorching heat, as images from the Hajj ministry showed. Given the extreme temperatures, authorities urged worshipers to bring umbrellas. About two million participants are expected.
To begin, the pilgrims walked seven times around the cube-shaped building of the Kaaba in the courtyard of the Grand Mosque of Mecca. They then headed to the nearby Mina Valley, where they will spend the first night in a huge tent city. The pilgrimage requires a great effort for the faithful, simply because the temperature nowadays rises to above 40 degrees.
One of the duties in Islam
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five basic obligations of Islam. Every devout Muslim who is healthy and can afford it should make a pilgrimage to the Muslim holy city of Mecca once in his life. At the beginning of the pilgrimage, the faithful enter a state of devotion. For this reason, men wear seamless white robes. The uniform clothing is intended to symbolize the equality of all Muslims before God.
Many believers save for years to travel long distances from Asia, Africa or other parts of the world. The pilgrimage, which is also organized by travel agencies and tour providers, can easily cost several thousand euros.
There are offers for people with less money, and people in need can get help from charities. The number of pilgrims allowed per country is determined by a quota system. According to ORF, there is a contingent of 670 people for Austrian pilgrims.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
