More than 1.5 million pilgrims have completed final preparations to begin the most significant ritual of Islam the Hajj on Wednesday evening.
Saudi authorities are doing their utmost to avoid a repeat of last year’s tragedy, when over 1,000 people died due to extreme heat.
With temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), pilgrims began performing their initial rites near the Kaaba, the black cube in the heart of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, considered the holiest site in Islam.
“It feels like you’re no longer in this world,” said 63-year-old Khitam in comments to AFP, adding, “Before Hajj, I used to watch the Grand Mosque every day on TV.”
Before entering Mecca, pilgrims undergo a purification ritual and dress in simple white garments.
Authorities confirmed that over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj — one of the five pillars of Islam, which all Muslims are expected to complete at least once in their lifetime.
Officials have increased shaded areas in public spaces in an effort to protect pilgrims, especially after last year’s temperatures rose above 51°C (123.8°F) during this time.
