Middle East and Africa
More than 1.5 million people have joined the haj this year despite the shadow of war across the Middle East created by the US and Israeli war with Iran.
Muslim pilgrims gather near misting fans at Mount of Mercy on the plain of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, May 26, 2026. (Reuters/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa)
Huge numbers of Muslims prayed on Mount Arafat on Tuesday at the climax of the haj pilgrimage, as a punishing desert sun sent temperatures soaring towards 40C.From daybreak, thousands of white-robed worshippers recited Quranic verses on the 70-meter rocky hill near Mecca, where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his last sermon.
More than 1.5 million people have joined the haj this year despite the shadow of war across the Middle East created by the US and Israeli war with Iran.
