Millions of Muslims arriving in Mecca for the 1446 Hajj have begun their pilgrimage with powerful emotional moments as they face the Kaaba for the first time. Entering the holy city in the state of ihram, they perform umrah rituals and tawaf, pouring out prayers with tears upon seeing the ‘House of Allah.’
Many first pray for the people of Palestine and then for their families and countries. Those reaching the Hajar al-Asvad (the Black Stone), regarded as a stone from paradise, line up patiently before receiving its blessings.
This year, with the completion of construction projects around the Kaaba, pilgrims have more space to worship. Around 2 million Muslims are expected in Mecca during this Hajj season.
Turkish pilgrim Mustafa Mod expressed the collective spiritual sentiment: “It’s a different feeling to put your face there. Muslims from every nation are competing just to touch the Kaaba, thinking of nothing but Islam. May Allah grant this to all believers.”