NEWS: The largest record-breaking Hajj pilgrimage in history began Sunday June 25 2023 (7th Dhul Hijjah 1444h)

 The largest record-breaking Hajj pilgrimage in history began Sunday June 25 2023 (7th Dhul Hijjah 1444h) with more than 2.5 million Muslims anticipated to attend. The Hajj begins in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Islam's holiest site. 

 Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam every physically and financially capable Muslim is required to attend once in their lifetime. During Covd restrictions the pilgrimage was severely reduced and many who had planned to attend were denied entry. 

This year's record attendance puts pressure on local accommodations; however more accommodations were put in place in anticipation of greater numbers of pilgrims. Security and medical personnel have also been beefed up to cope with record breaking numbers of pilgrims. 

Some Muslims save money over their entire lifetimes to afford the cost of attending the pilgrimage.