Hundreds of pilgrims started arriving in Saudi Arabia’s holy metropolis of Mecca on Friday, amongst 1,000,000 Muslims anticipated to attend the 2022 haj pilgrimage season after two years of main disruption attributable to the coronavirus pandemic. COVID.
Wrapped in white robes, some holding umbrellas to defend themselves from the recent desert solar, a whole lot carried out the primary ritual of the haj, which entails strolling in a circle across the Kaaba, the sacred constructing on the heart of Mecca’s Grand Mosque.
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“Reward be to God… It’s not possible to explain my emotions proper now,” mentioned Ahmed Sayed Mahmoud, an Egyptian pilgrim. “Being within the Grand Mosque and within the land of the 2 holy mosques makes me very completely happy.”
Saudi Arabia, residence to Islam’s holiest websites in Mecca and Medina, allowed overseas vacationers to return this 12 months for hajj. Just a few thousand Saudi residents and residents have attended the annual pilgrimage prior to now two years as COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the worldwide economic system and curtailed journey.
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba and pray on the Grand Mosque as Saudi Arabia welcomes pilgrims for the 2022 haj season. (REUTERS/Mohammed Salem)
Nonetheless, authorities have mentioned that just one million individuals can be a part of the 2022 season, lower than half of pre-pandemic ranges, and entry is restricted to pilgrims aged 18 to 65 who’ve been absolutely vaccinated or immunized towards the virus and don’t undergo from power illnesses. illnesses.
SECURITY
Safety brokers mingled with the pilgrims contained in the mosque. A community of surveillance cameras monitored the encircling space and checkpoints managed entry to town to assist guarantee an incident-free hajj, which has been marred prior to now by lethal stampedes, fires and riots.
Through the years, the dominion has spent billions of to make one of many world’s largest spiritual gatherings safer. Haj, a once-in-a-lifetime responsibility for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it, is a significant income for the federal government from lodging, transportation, charges, and presents from worshipers.
In 2019, the final 12 months earlier than the pandemic, some 2.6 million individuals carried out the haj, whereas round 19 million took half within the umrah, one other type of pilgrimage to Mecca that, in contrast to the haj, may be carried out at any time of the 12 months. 12 months.
An financial reform plan by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman goals to extend umrah and haj capability to 30 million pilgrims yearly and generate 50 billion riyals ($13.32 billion) of income by 2030.
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