0h 14min, may 25, 2026 y - Hajj Pilgrimage amid Regional Tensions

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The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, has begun in Saudi Arabia as more than 1.5 million pilgrims arrive from abroad amid the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war and a global energy crisis.

Saleh bin Saad al-Murabba, commander of the Hajj passport forces, said that over 1.5 million pilgrims had entered the kingdom by Friday, with more expected.

For many, reaching Mecca is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. Egyptian pilgrim Samya Abdul Moneim said she felt overwhelming gratitude to have made the journey required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able.

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