More than two million pilgrims expected in Mecca for the hajj

Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, on Friday welcomed huge crowds of worshipers for the world’s largest hajj pilgrimage with more than two million people despite the scorching heat battering Saudi Arabia.

More than two million people from more than 160 countries will attend, a huge increase from the 926,000 people registered last year, when the number of pilgrims was limited to one million following the pandemic. of the Covid-19 virus. Pilgrims dressed in white robes and sandals swarmed the ancient city, now dotted with luxury hotels and air-conditioned malls, after pouring in by plane, bus and train for the annual rites.

The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be performed by all Muslims who can afford it, at least once in their life.