More than two million Muslims embark on holy pilgrimage of Hajj

World Today

More than two million Muslims embark on holy pilgrimage of Hajj

More than two-million Muslims are undertaking the sacred pilgrimage known as Hajj. The world’s largest annual international gathering in Saudi Arabia is one of the five pillars of Islam.
More than two million Muslims embark on holy pilgrimage of Hajj
The five-day journey is filled with prayer and rituals. Muslims believe the rites trace the footsteps of the prophet Muhammad. CGTN’s Yasser Hakim reports.

Islam requires all Muslims to embark on a Hajj once in their lifetime. Participants left Mecca on Wednesday.

They’re headed to Mina, then Mount Arafat, then Muzdalifah, and Mina again, before ending back to Mecca. Security is very tight in the area. Round-the-clock patrols are underway.

The Saudi government has spent billions to improve safety. Heath officials are also on stand-by to deal with injuries.

Extreme heat is also a factor, but so far the trek is going smoothly.