Thousands of Muslims departed from Makkah after completing their annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The event took place in extreme heat conditions and amid ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.
More than 1.7 million pilgrims from 165 countries participated, despite the war that began in February. Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes across the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia.
Iranian pilgrims were significantly affected by the conflict, with only about 30,000 making the journey compared to the original estimate of 86,000. Iran’s IRNA news agency cited “wartime conditions” for the drop in numbers.
Egyptian pilgrim Ahmed Mamdouh expressed his joy at completing the Haj safely despite its exhaustion and heat. Algerian pilgrim Al-Zaoui said performing the pilgrimage with his wife after 50 years of marriage was a dream come true.
The third day of the stoning ritual took place in Mina, southeast of Mecca, followed by the farewell “tawaf” at the Grand Mosque. The Haj is one of Islam’s Five Pillars and involves several outdoor rituals during hot weather.
Over 1,300 pilgrims died during last year’s Haj due to extreme heat, leading Saudi authorities to introduce measures such as shaded areas and extra health workers. The Saudi Red Crescent reported providing emergency services to over 83,000 people since the start of the pilgrimage season.