TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from Saudi Arabia: CNN Arabic, CNN Arabic.
UK coverage: Al Jazeera English.

More than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims have gathered in Mecca for the start of Hajj, amidst Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza. Palestinians in Gaza were unable to travel to Mecca this year due to the closure of the Rafah crossing. The Saudi government expects over two million pilgrims to attend Hajj this year, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The pilgrimage is not only a spiritual experience but also an opportunity for Muslims to pray for peace in conflict-stricken countries such as Yemen and Sudan. Measures have been taken to mitigate the sweltering heat during the pilgrimage, with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit).

According to a report from CNN Arabic, more than 1.5 million Muslims have begun the Hajj rituals in Mecca. The pilgrims are seen circumambulating the Kaaba, the holiest shrine in Islam. The Umrah performers are prohibited from leaving their designated areas, whether inside or outside Mecca, until after sunrise on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. They then proceed to stand at Mount Arafat, the main standing, and return to Mecca after the ‘Nafrah’ from Arafat. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and every physically and financially capable Muslim is required to perform it at least once in their lifetime.

In another article from CNN Arabic, it is reported that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has left Medina and is heading to Mecca to perform the Hajj rituals. President Sisi was seen wearing the ‘Ihram’ clothing, bidding farewell to the Governor of Medina. The President had previously visited the Prophet’s Mosque and the grave of Prophet Muhammad in Medina. This year’s Hajj rituals are expected to take place from June 14th to the 19th, with the weather in Mecca predicted to be partly cloudy and clear in Medina and Jeddah. The Saudi National Center for Meteorology has reported temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius in Mecca, 37 degrees Celsius in Medina, and 33 degrees Celsius in Jeddah.

The closure of the Rafah crossing has prevented Palestinians in Gaza from traveling to Mecca for Hajj this year. However, the pilgrimage remains a significant event for Muslims worldwide, providing an opportunity for them to pray for peace and unity in conflict-stricken countries. With over 1.5 million pilgrims expected to attend, the Hajj is set to be one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. As the sweltering heat poses a challenge, measures have been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims. Amidst Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, the Hajj serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and harmony in the world.