Muslims from around the world are gathering in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings on Earth.
Each year, millions of worshippers travel to the holy city of Mecca to take part in the sacred journey, which is a key pillar of Islam and something many Muslims hope to complete at least once in their lifetime.
Over several days, pilgrims carry out a series of important rituals, including circling around the holy Kaaba – a cube-shaped stone building draped in a black cloth at the centre of Mecca’s Grand Mosque – and gathering at Mount Arafat for prayers and reflection.
The pilgrimage takes place during Dhul Hujjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, with Eid Al-Adha falling on May 27 for the majority of worshippers.
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Hotels, airports and roads are filling up fast as pilgrims continue pouring into Mecca for Hajj.
Worshippers are being advised to protect themselves with an umbrella, hydrate often and avoid peak outdoor hours with temperatures set to reach highs of 44C today.
Temperatures have exceeded 40C in Mecca(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The majority of Muslims will be celebrating Eid al-Adha on May 27.
The festival is one of the two blessed Eids celebrated as Muslims. It follows the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage period, and is also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice”.
Performed after the Eid prayer, Muslims around the world come together to take part in Qurbani – the ritual sacrifice of livestoc, typically a sheep, goat, cow, or camel – reflecting the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim and his unwavering obedience to Allah.
Qurbani commemorates the faith of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah’s command. It provides a means for Muslims to reach the level of submission he showed to Allah.
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Pilgrims often undertake long-distance walking under intense heat when traveling between holy sites to perform their rituals in Mecca.
This week, sweltering conditions are expected as the Gulf countries enter the summer season.
Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 42C and 44C, with lows of 26C and 29C.
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Before pilgrims arrive, they prepare and meditate on their intention (niyyah) to perform the Hajj.
Then it is time to enter the spiritual state of Ihram or ritual purity. Muslims wear special white garments to symbolise the equality of pilgrims in front of Allah – with no difference between the rich and poor, or ethnic backgrounds.
To reach a state of holiness, certain things such as sex, smoking or shaving parts of the body, are also prohibited during Hajj.
Muslim worshippers walk along the Grand Mosque complex under the water-mist fans installed in the holy city of Mecca(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Among the five most important Muslim practices, known as the Five Pillars of Islam, is completing Hajj – a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Muslims should complete this at least once in their lifetime – as long as they are physically and financially able to do so.
In visiting the holy city of Mecca, the birthplace of the Muslim prophet Muhammad, and completing various religious rites, Muslim pilgrims meet this mandatory duty.