Millions of Muslims begin Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

The annual Hajj pilgrimage has begun in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, drawing millions of Muslim faithful from around the world. This year's event is overshadowed by the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Millions of Muslims have begun the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as the holy city once again becomes the focal point of the Islamic world. The pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, draws worshippers from across the globe every year and is considered a religious obligation for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey.

This year's Hajj, however, takes place against a backdrop of widespread conflict in the Middle East, casting a shadow over what is traditionally a time of profound spiritual reflection and unity. The ongoing war in the region has stirred deep emotions among many pilgrims, with some using the occasion to call for peace.

Hajj is one of the largest mass gatherings on Earth, and Saudi Arabian authorities deploy enormous logistical resources each year to manage the flow of pilgrims safely through the rituals, which include circling the Kaaba, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and gathering on the plain of Arafat.

Saudi Arabia has in recent years invested heavily in infrastructure around Mecca to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims and improve safety following deadly incidents in past decades. The kingdom views the guardianship of Islam's holiest sites as a cornerstone of its international standing and religious authority.