Hajj 2023 Makkah Holy pilgrims returns in full-swing after pandemic restrictions end.
Makkah : Over 2 million Muslims Pilgrims taking part in this week’s Hajj pilgrimage to the most holy city of Mecca /Makkah in Saudi Arabia, After the Covid As one of the world’s largest religious gatherings returns to full capacity following years of coronavirus restrictions. This year, Hajj is taking place between June 26 and July 1 2023.
Makkah view of the Grand Mosque is seen from the Clock Tower during the Hajj2023 pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
Hajj is 1 of the five pillars of Islam, & Muslims around the world are required to Perform haj it at least once in their lives if they are financially and physically able to do so.
Hajj is a spiritual, emotional and physical challenge that tests the patience and temperament of the pilgrim.
It occurs in Dhul-Hijjah, final month of the Islamic lunar calendar the 12th and between the eighth and 13th days of the month.
Water mist is sprayed on Muslim pilgrims as they pray on the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Muslim pilgrims pray at the Mina tent camp, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during the annual hajj pilgrimage. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
Muslim pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Muslim pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (AP/PTI)
Hajj Pilgrims walk beside pigeons outside the Grand Mosque, during the annual pilgrimage, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.