2023-06-23 04:18:37
MECA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — About 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj pilgrimage, the vast majority by air, local officials said.
This year’s pilgrimage will be the first without the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020. More pilgrims are expected to arrive before the hajj begins on Monday.
The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to perform it at least once in their lifetime if they have the financial means and physical health. It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
The Saudi media ministry reported on Thursday that more than 1.49 million foreign pilgrims had arrived through its international ports as of Wednesday, including 1.43 million by air.
Saudi officials have said they expect the number of pilgrims in 2023 to reach pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, more than 2.4 million Muslims made the pilgrimage.
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