Middle East war casts shadow over million-strong haj pilgrimage
The haj pilgrimage in Mecca is taking place amid ongoing tensions from the Middle East war, with over a million Muslims expected to participate. Despite the fragile ceasefire and recent Iranian attacks, many pilgrims feel safe and are determined to fulfill their religious duties. Saudi authorities are implementing measures to ensure the safety and comfort of the visitors during the pilgrimage.
- ▪More than 1.2 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the haj pilgrimage starting May 25.
- ▪Saudi officials are focused on keeping conflict away from the minds of the visitors.
- ▪The haj has historically been a point of tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with past outbreaks of violence involving Iranian pilgrims.
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Middle East war casts shadow over million-strong haj pilgrimageSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxMuslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba and pray at the Grand Mosque, ahead of the annual haj pilgrimage, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 22, 2026, 05:59 PMUpdated May 22, 2026, 05:59 PMMECCA - More than a million Muslims are gathering in Mecca for the haj pilgrimage overshadowed by the Middle East war, as animosity smoulders across the region despite a fragile ceasefire.The 2026’s rites, drawing worshippers from across the Islamic world including Iran, follow waves of Iranian attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours.Saudi officials are keen to keep conflict far from the minds of visitors, who have travelled long distances for one of the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.