Over 1.3 Million Pilgrims Arrive in Makkah Amid Scorching Heat as Hajj 2025 Commences

Makkah, June 2, 2025 — More than 1.3 million pilgrims have gathered in the holy city of Makkah ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, braving intense desert heat. Temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C this week, prompting Saudi authorities to implement enhanced heat mitigation measures to ensure the safety of worshippers.

In response to last year’s tragic events, where 1,301 pilgrims succumbed to extreme heat, officials have expanded shaded areas by 50,000 square meters, deployed over 400 cooling units, and mobilized more than 250,000 personnel across 40 government agencies. Advanced technologies, including drones and artificial intelligence, are being utilized to monitor crowd movements and manage the influx of pilgrims effectively.

Despite the challenging conditions, pilgrims express profound spiritual fulfillment. Abdul Majid Ati, a Filipino lawyer, remarked, “This is really a blessing from Allah. We feel so peaceful and safe in this place.” Similarly, Abdulhamid from Nigeria, undertaking his second consecutive Hajj at 27, acknowledged the intense heat but emphasized his happiness to participate in the pilgrimage.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially capable. This year’s pilgrimage, occurring during the hot month of June, underscores the importance of preparedness and the measures taken to protect the well-being of all participants.

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