For the first time since Corona: Pilgrimage Hajj packed again After the dam was destroyed: the water level at Kherson is back to normal

For the first time since the start of the corona pandemic more than three years ago, the Islamic hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has started again without restrictions.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gathered in and around Mecca for the religious rituals on Monday. According to the hajj ministry, about 1.6 million pilgrims came from abroad alone. As in pre-pandemic times, more than two million participants are expected in total. Crowds of worshipers could be seen in photos streaming through the chambers and courtyard of the Grand Mosque of Mecca.

The Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and is one of the five basic obligations in Islam. Accordingly, women and men who are healthy and can afford it should make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in their lives. In recent years, restrictions have been imposed on the number of pilgrims allowed and the maximum age allowed due to the pandemic. Sometimes believers were not allowed to come from abroad and participants had to be vaccinated against Corona and wear a face mask.

Hajj Minister Taufik al-Rabiah said in Riyadh a few days ago that the number of pilgrims could now rise again to pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, there were about 2.5 million participants. The kingdom “overcame all the challenges of the pandemic,” the state agency SPA reported at Al-Rabiah’s press conference.

In Mecca and the surrounding area there are now huge tent cities, markets and restaurants are full. For the long journey from Asia, Africa or other parts of the world, many believers save for years. The pilgrimage, which is also organized by travel agencies and tour operators, can quickly cost several thousand dollars. There are also offers for people with less money, people in need can get help from charities. The number of allowed pilgrims per country is determined by a quota system.

In Saudi Arabia, Mecca and Medina are the holiest places in Islam. The hajj is an important source of income for the Gulf state. Thousands are deployed to ensure the pilgrimage runs smoothly, including law enforcement, security forces and emergency doctors. The high heat in summer – temperatures in Mecca on Monday exceeded 40 degrees Celsius – is especially difficult for older people.

(aeg/sda)