Muslims begin the annual Hajj against a backdrop of war concerns

The annual Hajj pilgrimage began in Saudi Arabia, drawing more than 1.5 million pilgrims from outside the country. Pilgrims arrived amid a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war and related regional tensions. Many pilgrims gathered in Mecca and performed rituals around the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque despite sweltering temperatures. Hajj is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who can afford it and are physically able. Pilgrims seek forgiveness and the erasure of past sins through rituals carried out over several days. Volunteers provided water bottles and large fans sprayed mist to help with hydration, while pilgrims used umbrellas and handheld fans for shade. A U.S. statement described progress toward a deal with Iran involving the Strait of Hormuz.

"More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the country, Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, commander of the Hajj passport forces, said Friday. The faithful have been pouring into the country for the Hajj against the backdrop of a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war and related regional tensions and uncertainty."

"Egyptian pilgrim Samya Abdul Moneim said she was grateful to God that she made it to the Hajj, which is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it. "I am in a state of blessing and happiness," she said in Mecca on Sunday. "It's an indescribable feeling, truly. I mean, thank God, I am in a blessing.""

"Ahead of that, pilgrims have been circling the cube-shaped Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in sweltering temperatures. As they brave the intense heat to perform religious rituals, many pilgrims have been using umbrellas for shade and carrying handheld fans. Volunteers hand out water bottles to help them stay hydrated and large fans spray fine mists of water."

"Pilgrims perform the Hajj rituals over several days. Some spend many years hoping and praying to one day perform the Hajj or saving up money and waiting for a permit to embark on the trip. For pilgrims, Hajj can be a deeply moving spiritual experience and a chance to seek God's forgiveness and the erasure of past sins."

Read at www.npr.org