Over 1.7 Million Participate in This Year’s Hajj Amid Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics has announced that more than 1,707,000 people participated in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. According to these figures, over 1,546,000 of the pilgrims traveled from various countries to Saudi Arabia. Afghanistan’s quota for this year was set at 30,000 individuals.

The official report highlights the remarkable presence of women during this year’s Hajj, with over 813,000 women taking part in the ceremonies. This statistic reflects the significant role of women in one of the largest religious gatherings worldwide.

The Hajj rituals were carried out amid intense heat, particularly in Mina during the final days, where temperatures exceeded 42 degrees Celsius. Many pilgrims poured water over their heads and faces or used umbrellas to prevent heatstroke. Saudi officials emphasized the importance of staying well-hydrated and minimizing direct exposure to the sun.

Concurrently with the Hajj ceremonies, Muslims in several countries began celebrating Eid al-Adha starting Wednesday morning. This annual festival typically involves the slaughter of livestock and distribution of meat to the needy. However, reports indicate that in some areas, ongoing military conflicts and economic hardships have affected the manner of the celebrations.

In Lebanon, Eid al-Adha was observed under the shadow of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, with many families still displaced. Some of the displaced, taking refuge in schools and tents, spoke of the absence of the usual festive atmosphere. In the Gaza Strip, Eid prayers were held among the ruins amid a fragile ceasefire, with many residents mourning the loss of loved ones.

Alongside these developments, since late February 2025, the region has witnessed widespread military tensions. Reports detail clashes involving the United States, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, with security and economic repercussions impacting energy markets and maritime traffic. Various sources have presented differing accounts of these events and related incidents. Overall, this situation has cast a shadow over the general atmosphere of the region, including its religious occasions.