Makkah witnessed the beginning of Haj 2026 as more than 1.5 million pilgrims from across the world reached Mina on Monday to observe the Day of Tarwiyah. Dressed in white Ihram garments, pilgrims travelled by buses and on foot from Makkah to Mina under strict security and organisational arrangements by Saudi authorities. Despite extreme heat touching 43°C, the spiritual atmosphere remained powerful with continuous recitations of Talbiyah, Takbir and Tasbih echoing across the holy sites.

The Day of Tarwiyah marks the start of the main Haj rituals on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah. Pilgrims will spend the day and night in Mina offering five prayers before departing for Arafat after Fajr on Tuesday. Wuquf at Arafat is regarded as the most important pillar of Haj. Saudi officials have intensified crowd management, transport services and heat protection measures to ensure the safety of millions of worshippers during the pilgrimage season.

This year’s Haj comes amid rising regional tensions in the Middle East, including the ongoing Gaza conflict and increasing confrontation involving Israel, Iran and the United States. Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam, remains a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially capable. The annual pilgrimage follows the sacred journey performed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over 1,400 years ago.