2023 Hajj pilgrimage begins in Mecca

This year’s Hajj pilgrimage has begun in Mecca, Saudi Arabia with Muslims circling the Kaaba

An official at Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said they witness the largest Hajj pilgrimage in history.

More than 2.5 million Muslims are expected to take part, as coronavirus pandemic restrictions in place since 2020 have been fully relaxed.

Abdelazim, a 65-year-old Egyptian who saved for 20 years to pay the $6000 cost he needed to attend said he was living the most beautiful days of his life.

On Sunday evening, the pilgrims made their way to Mina from Mecca’s al-Masjid al-Haram or Grand Mosque, before they gather at Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon.