2023-06-26 10:54:18
For the first time since the beginning of the corona pandemic more than three years ago, the Muslim Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has started once more without restrictions. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gathered in and around Mecca on Monday for the religious rituals. According to the Hajj Ministry, around 1.6 million pilgrims came from abroad alone. As in the times before the pandemic, a total of more than two million participants are expected.
The Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and is one of the five basic obligations (“pillars”) of 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, due to the corona pandemic, there have been restrictions on the number of pilgrims allowed and the maximum age allowed.
In Mecca and the surrounding area there are huge tent cities these days, 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 offers for people with less money, those in need can get help from charities. The number of pilgrims permitted per country is determined by a quota system.
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