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1 / 10Muslims embark on Hajj 2026: The Hajj pilgrimage, a fundamental element of Islam, commenced on Monday, May 25, with over 1.5 million pilgrims from around the globe already in Saudi Arabia, as reported by Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, head of the Hajj passport authorities. An expected total of nearly two million participants is anticipated, contingent upon the official crescent moon sighting to confirm the dates. The pilgrimage lasts from May 25 to 27, though many pilgrims arrive weeks in advance.
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2 / 10Conflict weighs on the faithful: This year’s Hajj is occurring amid an ongoing conflict. The U.S. and Israel struck Iran on February 28, which led Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a surge in oil and gas prices and unsettling the global economy. Iran responded with attacks before a delicate ceasefire was established in April. The U.S. has kept a naval blockade on Iranian ports for over a month.
3 / 10Trump’s peace initiative: On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a deal — including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — has been “largely negotiated” following talks with Israel and other regional partners. He referred to it as a “Memorandum of Understanding aimed at PEACE” involving the U.S., Iran, and allied nations, though it remains unconfirmed. Trump also stated that the blockade on Iranian ports “will stay in full effect until an agreement is finalized, validated, and signed.”
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4 / 10Faith conquers fear: In spite of geopolitical anxieties, pilgrims expressed that their faith propelled them forward. Samya Abdul Moneim, an Egyptian pilgrim who had devoted significant time to save for the pilgrimage, shared her gratitude for the experience. “I feel blessed and happy,” she remarked to reporters in Mecca on Sunday. “It’s an indescribable sensation. Thank God, I am in a state of blessing.” Numerous pilgrims noted that their faith bolstered them as they prepared for their journey amidst prevailing tensions.
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5 / 10Extreme heat conditions: Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Meteorology predicts temperatures between 42°C and 47°C in Mecca during the Hajj period. First-time pilgrim from Egypt, Inas Gamal, opted to pray in her air-conditioned room instead of the Grand Mosque during the day, admitting, “It’s unbearably hot, much hotter than I expected.” British pilgrim Imad Ahmed reported that he constantly replenishes himself with water and mineral-rich drinks, as pilgrims “are always on the move and perspiring profusely.”
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6 / 101,300 fatalities last year: Heat-related deaths during the Hajj remain a recurrent issue. In 2024, over 1,300 pilgrims lost their lives due to temperatures exceeding 50°C. This year, Saudi health officials have deployed over 50,000 medical personnel and 3,000 ambulances. By Saturday, there had already been 144 cases of heatstroke treated by medical teams. Health ministry official Jameel Abualenain, at a treatment facility in the Mina camp, expressed concern over escalating temperatures, urging pilgrims to hydrate adequately, utilize umbrellas, and limit sun exposure.
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7 / 10Cooling measures for crowds: To ensure the comfort of pilgrims, the Grand Mosque employs one of the world’s most advanced air conditioning systems in its courtyards. Auxiliary areas utilize massive fans, mist sprays, and cooled flooring. Free chilled water is continually distributed via trucks. Inside, many pilgrims relax on carpets beneath ceiling fans while they await prayer. Mohamed Nabil, an Algerian professor from a city currently experiencing 25°C weather, mentioned that he pours water on his face to stay cool while walking approximately 30,000 steps daily throughout Mecca.
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8 / 10What pilgrims experience: On the first day, pilgrims perform Tawaf — encircling the Kaaba seven times at the Grand Mosque — accompanied by Sa’i, which involves walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Subsequently, they proceed to Mina, where they camp in tents and pray. On Tuesday, the most critical day, pilgrims gather in the plains of Arafat from midday to sunset to pray, seek forgiveness, and make personal supplications, often bringing prayer requests from family and friends. That evening, they move to Muzdalifah, pray under the open sky, and gather pebbles.
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9 / 10Eid concludes the pilgrimage: On Wednesday, May 27, coinciding with Eid al-Adha, pilgrims return to Mina to cast seven pebbles at the largest pillar — symbolizing the rejection of evil — and perform an animal sacrifice in remembrance of Abraham’s act of faith. Men shave or trim their hair; women cut a small portion. This action signifies the formal conclusion of the Hajj rituals, with Eid festivities continuing on May 28 and 29. Entry to Mecca during this period is restricted to Muslims, and checkpoints are established around the city throughout the season.
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10 / 10Economic impact of the conflict: The repercussions of the Iran conflict have influenced Hajj logistics globally. Indonesia, which holds the largest Muslim population, is prioritizing contingency planning and has instructed authorities not to pass additional travel expenses onto pilgrims. In India, arrangements continue fairly normally, although rising fuel costs due to the Strait of Hormuz’s closure have increased travel expenses. An agreement to reopen the strait, should Trump’s proposal be confirmed, could alleviate the global energy crisis that has driven up prices for oil, gas, and related products since February.
