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Over 1.5 million pilgrims begin Hajj amid regional tensions

The spiritual and physical challenge, described by pilgrims as a transformative and deeply meaningful journey, comes amid the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war and a global energy crisis.

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Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]

By AP

Published On 25 May 202625 May 2026

The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, has begun in Saudi Arabia as more than 1.5 million pilgrims arrive from abroad amid the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war and a global energy crisis.

Saleh bin Saad al-Murabba, commander of the Hajj passport forces, said that over 1.5 million pilgrims had entered the kingdom by Friday, with more expected.

For many, reaching Mecca is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. Egyptian pilgrim Samya Abdul Moneim said she felt overwhelming gratitude to have made the journey required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able.

“I am in a state of blessing and happiness,” she said in Mecca on Sunday. “It’s an indescribable feeling, truly. Thank God, I am in a blessing.”

Ahead of the move to the vast tent city of Mina, pilgrims have been circling the cube-shaped Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in sweltering heat, some shielding themselves with umbrellas and handheld fans. Volunteers hand out water and misting fans to help people cope with the intense temperatures.

For many, Hajj is both physically demanding and spiritually transformative.

“This Hajj is, in effect, a hard reset for me,” said Youssef Chouhoud, a political scientist from the United States, speaking from Mina. “It is for many pilgrims the most difficult thing they will ever do in their lives. But nothing this meaningful is ever going to be easy.”

He said he drew inspiration from seeing fellow pilgrims “compete with one another in giving charity and helping each other along the way”.

The pilgrimage unfolds as the United States, Iran and regional allies discuss a “memorandum of understanding” that Washington says could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease an energy crisis triggered by US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran’s closure of the waterway.

Despite the uncertainty, many pilgrims say they are leaning on their faith.

On Tuesday, pilgrims will gather on the plain of Arafat, the spiritual climax of Hajj, where they will stand in prayer, ask for forgiveness and remember loved ones back home.

Muslim pilgrims say afternoon prayers on a street outside the Grand Mosque. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]

Muslim pilgrims arrive at the Grand Mosque. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]

A Muslim pilgrim reacts as a volunteer sprays water to help her cool off. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]

Muslim pilgrims prostrate as they offer evening prayers around the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site in the holy city of Mecca. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]

A Muslim pilgrim prays in front of the Kaaba. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]

A group of Muslim pilgrims discuss the rituals of circumambulating the Kaaba. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]

Muslim pilgrims touch the walls of the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]

A volunteer distributes water and snacks to Muslim pilgrims. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]

A military helicopter patrols during the annual Hajj pilgrimage at the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]