Haj opens with 1.5 million pilgrims as conflict in Middle East weighs on mood

Nevin Al Sukari - Sana'a - This aerial view shows the Grand Mosque complex in Mecca, as Muslims perform the evening prayer around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, on May 24, 2026, ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. — AFP pic

MECCA, May 25 — Over 1.5 million Muslims began filling a vast tent city in the holy city of Mecca today for an annual Haj pilgrimage carried out against the backdrop of hopes for an end to the war in the Middle East.

The white-robed pilgrims on buses or on foot arrived at the sprawling encampment in Mina after performing the “tawaf” — walking seven times around the Kaaba, the giant black cube at Mecca’s Grand Mosque.

The start of the Haj came as US President Donald Trump continued to send mixed signals over a possible agreement to extend an uneasy ceasefire with Iran and a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

This year’s rites, drawing Muslim worshippers from across the world, including Iran, follow waves of Iranian attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours.

Saudi officials have been keen to keep conflict far from the minds of visitors, many whom have travelled long distances for one of the world’s largest annual pilgrimages.

Despite the uncertainty triggered by the conflict, Saudi officials noted over the weekend that more pilgrims had travelled from abroad to participate in this year’s Haj than in 2025.

But, amid the spiritual euphoria experienced by the pilgrims in the days ahead of the Haj, authorities in the kingdom signalled their readiness.

A video posted on social media by the Saudi defence ministry showed advanced air defence batteries positioned on the outskirts of Mecca.

“The air defence forces are responsible for protecting the skies over the holy sites and dealing with all aerial threats, ensuring the safety and peace of mind of the guests,” read the post.

Many pilgrims who spoke to AFP expressed their hope that peace would prevail soon.

“The war in Iran has affected the entire world. Nobody wants wars or harm to countries and peoples,” said Mohammed Chahada, an Egyptian in his 50s, as he walked through a crowd exiting the Grand Mosque.

Rituals 

The Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means.

During the Haj, men wear a seamless shroud-like white garment that emphasises unity among believers regardless of their social status or nationality.

Women must wear loose dresses, exposing only their faces and hands.

The first ritual of the Haj requires walking seven times around the Kaaba, the large black cubic structure at the centre of Mecca’s Grand Mosque.

Pilgrims next walk seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwa.

They then move on to Mina, around five kilometres away, ahead of the main rite of the pilgrimage at Mount Arafat.

On Tuesday, the climax of the Haj is the gathering on Mount Arafat, about 10 kilometres from Mina, where it is believed the Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon.

The arduous, outdoor pilgrimage will be held against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions but also under punishing heat, with temperatures forecast to top 40C for much of the week.

Despite the heat and the uncertainty over the war, pilgrims in Mecca were ecstatic.

“I have wanted to perform the pilgrimage my entire life, for 40 or 50 years,” said Jreish Mohammed, a 68-year-old decked out in the traditional attire from his native Morocco.

“And this year, my dream came true.” — afp