Saudi Arabia has to date welcomed 1.497 million pilgrims, from over 80 countries, who have flocked to the country in preparation for the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, which is due to begin on August 30, 2017, a news report said on Monday.
In total, around two million people from across the globe are expected to visit the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, making it the largest annual international gathering.
As one of the five pillars of Islam, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, is mandatory for physically and financially capable Muslims to perform at least once in their lives. The rituals involved are intended to cleanse the soul and demonstrate the equality and solidarity of all Muslims, in their submission to God.
Indonesia with the world’s most populous Muslim nation has the largest number of pilgrims for the hajj this year.
More than 17,000 highly trained personnel, supported by 3,000 advanced vehicles, are in a position to guarantee pilgrims the highest level of safety.
Over 2,000 Saudi Red Crescent Authority personnel deployed in Makkah, Madinah and other holy sites to provide ambulance services to pilgrims during Hajj.
Pertinently, this year a total of 8103 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are performing Hajj including 4579 male and 3579 female pilgrims.
