Maskless pilgrims launch largest hajj of Covid era

Maskless pilgrims launch largest hajj of Covid era

One million fully vaccinated Muslims, including 850,000 from abroad, are allowed at this year's hajj, a major break after drastically curtailed numbers due to the pandemic
One million fully vaccinated Muslims, including 850,000 from abroad, are allowed at this year's hajj, a major break after drastically curtailed numbers due to the pandemic. Photo: - / AFP
Source: AFP

New feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find “Recommended for you” block and enjoy!

The biggest hajj pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic began kicks off Wednesday, with hundreds of thousands of mostly maskless worshippers expected to circle Islam's holiest site in Saudi Arabia's Mecca.

One million fully vaccinated Muslims, including 850,000 from abroad, are allowed at this year's hajj, a major break from two years of drastically curtailed numbers due to the pandemic.

At Mecca's Grand Mosque, pilgrims will perform the "tawaf", the circumambulation of the Kaaba, the large cubic structure draped in golden-embroidered black cloth that Muslims around the world turn towards to pray.

Many have chosen to perform the ritual ahead of Wednesday's official hajj start date.

Worshippers walk side by side on the white floors near the Kaaba, the majority without a mask even though authorities said last month they would be mandatory at the site
Worshippers walk side by side on the white floors near the Kaaba, the majority without a mask even though authorities said last month they would be mandatory at the site. Photo: - / AFP
Source: AFP

PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!

On Tuesday afternoon, white-robed male worshippers and women in colourful abayas walked side by side on the white floors near the Kaaba, the majority without a mask even though authorities said last month that masks would be mandatory at the site.

Read also

Egypt family keeps alive tradition behind hajj centrepiece

"I just prayed for you," one pilgrim, wearing a green robe, said during a video call with relatives.

"I love you mother, I love you all," she added, waving into her mobile phone screen as she continued walking around the Kaaba.

Five days of rituals

This year's hajj is larger than the pared-down versions staged in 2020 and 2021 but still smaller than in normal times.

This year's hajj is larger than the pared-down versions staged in 2020 and 2021 but still smaller than in normal times
This year's hajj is larger than the pared-down versions staged in 2020 and 2021 but still smaller than in normal times. Photo: - / AFP
Source: AFP

In 2019, some 2.5 million Muslims from around the world participated in the annual event -- a key pillar of Islam that able-bodied Muslims must undertake at least once in their lives.

But after that, the coronavirus outbreak forced a dramatic downsizing. Just 60,000 fully vaccinated citizens and residents of the kingdom took part in 2021, up from a few thousand in 2020.

The pilgrimage consists of a series of religious rites which are completed over five days in Islam's holiest city and its surroundings in western Saudi Arabia.

Read also

Mecca businesses see hajj boom ending pandemic slump

On Thursday, the pilgrims will move to Mina, around five kilometres (three miles) away from the Grand Mosque, ahead of the main rite at Mount Arafat, where it is believed the Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon.

This year's hajj is restricted to vaccinated Muslims under the age of 65 chosen from millions of applicants through an online lottery system
This year's hajj is restricted to vaccinated Muslims under the age of 65 chosen from millions of applicants through an online lottery system. Photo: - / AFP
Source: AFP

This year's hajj is restricted to vaccinated Muslims under the age of 65 chosen from millions of applicants through an online lottery system.

Those coming from outside Saudi Arabia were required to submit a negative Covid-19 PCR result from a test taken within 72 hours of travel.

Since the start of the pandemic, Saudi Arabia has registered more than 795,000 coronavirus cases, more than 9,000 of them fatal.

'Too hot'

Those attempting to perform the hajj without a permit face fines of 10,000 Saudi riyals (around $2,600).

A Muslim pilgrim prays at Jabal al-Noor 'mountain of light' in Mecca. Temperatures in the holy city topped 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday
A Muslim pilgrim prays at Jabal al-Noor 'mountain of light' in Mecca. Temperatures in the holy city topped 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday. Photo: Christina ASSI / AFP
Source: AFP

Policemen in the mountainous city have set up checkpoints and conducted foot patrols while holding green umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching sun.

Read also

Eighteen days of living cost revolt by Indigenous Ecuadorans who blocked roads and oil wells cost the country at least $1 billion, the central bank said Monday as the movement's leader went on trial.

Temperatures in Mecca topped 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday.

Inside the Grand Mosque, female medics were on standby in different locations, and volunteers with wheelchairs were waiting in a long queue to help those needing assistance.

Authorities have set up multiple health facilities, mobile clinics and ambulances to cater to pilgrims.

Some pilgrims donned clothing featuring the names and flags of their countries. "Hajj 2020 -- Chad" was written on the back of the white robes of one group.

Hosting the hajj is a matter of prestige and a powerful source of political legitimacy for Saudi Arabia's rulers.

Costing at least $5,000 per person, it is also a money-spinner for the world's biggest oil exporter, which is trying to diversify its economy.

A Muslim pilgrim looks over the holy city of Mecca from atop the Jabal al-Noor or 'Mountain of Light'
A Muslim pilgrim looks over the holy city of Mecca from atop the Jabal al-Noor or 'Mountain of Light'. Photo: Christina ASSI / AFP
Source: AFP

In normal years, the pilgrimage brings in billions of dollars.

These days it represents a chance to showcase the kingdom's ongoing social transformation, despite persistent complaints about human rights abuses and limits on personal freedoms.

Read also

Saudi welcomes 1 million for biggest hajj pilgrimage since pandemic

Saudi Arabia now allows women to attend the hajj unaccompanied by male relatives, a requirement that was dropped last year.

"Being here is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I can't wait for the rest," said 42-year-old Egyptian pilgrim Naima Mohsen, who came to the Grand Mosque by herself Tuesday.

"My only problem is the weather. It's just too hot."

New feature: check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!

Source: AFP

Authors:
AFP avatar

AFP AFP text, photo, graphic, audio or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP news material may not be stored in whole or in part in a computer or otherwise except for personal and non-commercial use. AFP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP news material or in transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages whatsoever. As a newswire service, AFP does not obtain releases from subjects, individuals, groups or entities contained in its photographs, videos, graphics or quoted in its texts. Further, no clearance is obtained from the owners of any trademarks or copyrighted materials whose marks and materials are included in AFP material. Therefore you will be solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary releases from whatever individuals and/or entities necessary for any uses of AFP material.