Weaving into the spirit of love and brotherhood, 1.5 million Muslims across the globe have gathered in Mecca for the start of Muslim pilgrimage period – Hajj amidst the ongoing slaughter in Gaza Strip.
The annual pilgrimage officially began on Friday, June 14. Crowds of Muslim worshippers in white robes could be seen circling the Kabba and praying for their brothers and sisters in Gaza. “Our brothers are dying, and we can see it with our own eyes,” said 75-year-old Zahra Benizahra from Morocco.
Religious pilgrimages are a way to rekindle peaceful human interaction and pave a new, peaceful path forward for humanity. This becomes especially important in the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war killing millions of innocents over the lust of power, including the conflict torn states of Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Afghanistan.
“For sure it is something great. It is the best day for Muslims during the year, and the best feeling that anyone can experience,” Hussein Mohammed, an Egyptian pilgrim, said as he stood on the rocky slopes at dawn. “It is the best place for anyone hoping to be [here] on this day and at this moment.”
Hajj- One of the world’s largest religious gathering
Hujjaj performing Tawaaf Al Ifadah..#Hajj #Hajj2024 pic.twitter.com/UCzp5xIUpM
— The Holy Mosques (@theholymosques) June 16, 2024
The Hajj pilgrimage is a five-six day prayer for the Muslims. It is performed in Makkah, modern day Saudi Arabia and is spread across 4 significant locations, mandatory to be visited by the pilgrims – the city of Makkah, the tent settlement of Mina, Mount ‘Arafah and Muzadalifa.
The Hajj and year-round umrah rituals generated Saudi Arabia an estimated $12 billion annually. Even this year, the Saudi authorities have expected a grand number of around 2 million pilgrims.
Pilgrims facing the sweltering heat
In the past two days, the temperatures in Makkah reached as high as 45 degree C, increasing risks of heat strokes among the pilgrims. Pilgrims were reminded of taking precautionary measures via text messages such as “drink water regularly, more than 2 liters daily” and to “always carry an umbrella.”
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Robots among million pilgrims
The Saudi Arabian government has installed humanoid robots at the pilgrimage site. The robot is deployed to impart information related to health, keeping in mind the sweltering heat and the precautions to be taken by pilgrims. The robot speaks 96 languages and approaches individuals with “Hi. How can I help you ? These robots were developed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health.
A water bottle distributor robot and water robots, spreading mists, have been deployed as well to reduce heat stress as much as possible.
