The Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, drew almost 2.5 Muslims from around the world in 2019. This year’s Hajj has begun and will end on August 2/3. On Friday, July 31, the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul al-Hijjah, Muslims will observe the festival of Eid al-Adha which will last into Sunday or Monday August 2/3. This year’s Hajj is limited to 10,000 pilgrims. Pilgrim selection has been done from among local residents of Saudi Arabia as well as overseas citizens who are already living in the country. Pilgrims are required to wear face masks and will only be able to drink holy water from the Zamzam well in Mecca that has been prepackaged in plastic bottles. Pebbles for casting away evil that are usually picked up by pilgrims along hajj routes will be sterilized and bagged before being distributed to the pilgrims….FULL STORY WITH PHOTOS AT ASSOCIATED PRESS

Featured image at top of page: Mecca, ca. 1910. Bird’s-eye view of uncrowded Kaaba. Photo: G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection / US Library of Congress.

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Date posted: July 28, 2020.
Last updated: July 29, 2020.

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