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Millions of Muslims gather for Hajj: See the 2025 pilgrimage to Mecca

June 5, 2025Updated June 7, 2025, 2:40 p.m. ET
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day. In 2024, over 1,300 Hajj participants died in temperatures that climbed above 124 degrees. According to AP , this year officials are taking new safety measures and are cracking down on unauthorized participants who do not have a permit in an effort prevent overcrowding and deaths. More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj, Al Jazeera reports .
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.

In 2024, over 1,300 Hajj participants died in temperatures that climbed above 124 degrees. According to AP, this year officials are taking new safety measures and are cracking down on unauthorized participants who do not have a permit in an effort prevent overcrowding and deaths. More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj, Al Jazeera reports.
HAZEM BADER, AFP Via Getty Images
Pilgrims touch the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Mecca on June 7, 2025, at the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Pilgrims touch the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Mecca on June 7, 2025, at the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
-, AFP Via Getty Images
Pilgrims touch the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Mecca on June 7, 2025, at the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Pilgrims touch the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Mecca on June 7, 2025, at the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
-, AFP Via Getty Images
This aerial view shows the Grand Mosque complex as Muslims perform the evening prayer around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, on June 6, 2025.
This aerial view shows the Grand Mosque complex as Muslims perform the evening prayer around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, on June 6, 2025.
HAZEM BADER, AFP Via Getty Images
Muslim worshippers make their way towards the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in in the holy city of Mecca to take part in morning prayers on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, the feast of the sacrifice, early on June 6, 2025.
Muslim worshippers make their way towards the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in in the holy city of Mecca to take part in morning prayers on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, the feast of the sacrifice, early on June 6, 2025.
-, AFP Via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims hold their evening prayers in the grand mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2025.
Muslim pilgrims hold their evening prayers in the grand mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2025.
SAUDI PRESS AGENCY, Handout Via REUTERS
Muslim pilgrims perform Tawaf in the grand mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2025.
Muslim pilgrims perform Tawaf in the grand mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2025.
SAUDI PRESS AGENCY, Handout Via REUTERS
Muslim pilgrims cast their stones at a pillar symbolising Satan, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2025.
Muslim pilgrims cast their stones at a pillar symbolising Satan, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2025.
SAUDI PRESS AGENCY, Handout Via REUTERS
Muslim pilgrims make their way to cast their stones at a pillar symbolising Satan, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2025.
Muslim pilgrims make their way to cast their stones at a pillar symbolising Satan, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2025.
SAUDI PRESS AGENCY, Handout Via REUTERS
Muslim worshippers make their way towards the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in in the holy city of Mecca to take part in morning prayers on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, the feast of the sacrifice, early on June 6, 2025.
Muslim worshippers make their way towards the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in in the holy city of Mecca to take part in morning prayers on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, the feast of the sacrifice, early on June 6, 2025.
-, AFP Via Getty Images
A Muslim pilgrim prays at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
A Muslim pilgrim prays at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
HAZEM BADER, AFP Via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
HAZEM BADER, AFP Via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day
HAZEM BADER, AFP Via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
HAZEM BADER, AFP Via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
HAZEM BADER, AFP Via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
HAZEM BADER, AFP Via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
HAZEM BADER, AFP Via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
HAZEM BADER, AFP Via Getty Images
A Muslim pilgrim makes dua at Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
A Muslim pilgrim makes dua at Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on June 5 during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
HAZEM BADER, AFP Via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims walk on a road in Mina near Islam's holy city of Mecca on June 4, 2025, ahead of the Mount Arafat prayers as part of Islam's annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Muslim pilgrims walk on a road in Mina near Islam's holy city of Mecca on June 4, 2025, ahead of the Mount Arafat prayers as part of Islam's annual Hajj pilgrimage.
-, AFP Via Getty Images
Saudi security forces pray in Mina near Islam's holy city of Mecca on June 4, 2025, ahead of the Mount Arafat prayers as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Saudi security forces pray in Mina near Islam's holy city of Mecca on June 4, 2025, ahead of the Mount Arafat prayers as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
-, AFP Via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims walk on a road in Mina near Islam's holy city of Mecca on June 4, 2025, ahead of the Mount Arafat prayers as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Muslim pilgrims walk on a road in Mina near Islam's holy city of Mecca on June 4, 2025, ahead of the Mount Arafat prayers as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
-, AFP Via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims walk on a road in Mina near Islam's holy city of Mecca on June 4, 2025, ahead of the Mount Arafat prayers as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Muslim pilgrims walk on a road in Mina near Islam's holy city of Mecca on June 4, 2025, ahead of the Mount Arafat prayers as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
-, AFP Via Getty Images
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