MECCA (AP) — More than 1.5 million Muslim worshippers wrapped up their sacred Hajj journey in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, performing the traditional ritual of walking around the Kaaba, the black cube-shaped structure that serves as Islam’s most sacred shrine, located within the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
The pilgrimage this year brought together over 1.5 million faithful Muslims who endured sweltering heat that at times climbed above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
As one of Islam’s Five Pillars, the Hajj represents a religious duty that every Muslim must fulfill at least once during their lifetime, provided they have the financial means and physical capability to make the journey.
The religious gathering at Islam’s most sacred locations in Saudi Arabia occurred against a backdrop of increased regional instability related to ongoing conflict involving Iran, which added tension to this year’s pilgrimage.
