The Hajj pilgrimage has began with crowds donning white robes and performing the arrival Tawaf (Tawaf Al Qudum) at Masjid Al Haram.
Worshippers from all over the world are in Makkah as the city welcomes the biggest Hajj pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic started.
This year’s pilgrimage is anticipated to set new records, with over 2.5 million pilgrims expected to participate.
“This year, we will witness the largest Hajj pilgrimage in history,” said an official at the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
On Sunday evening, Hujaj started to depart for Mina, around 5 miles from the Grand Mosque. Many more will make the journey on Monday after Fajr Salat.
#Hajj 🕋 2023 Begins! – 7 Dhul Hijjah 1444
At Masjid Al Haram, Hujjaj have started to perform Tawaaf Al Qudum (Tawaaf of Arrival), which will continue throughout the day until the evening as batches start to depart for Mina. This will continue after ‘White Fajr’ tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/L6fEG7dOut
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) June 25, 2023
At the height of the pandemic, Hajj was restricted to 1,000 domestic pilgrims.
In 2021, numbers were limited to 60,000, and last year saw a million attend after foreign travellers were allowed to perform the pilgrimage for the first time since the pandemic.
READ: The importance of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah
Islam Channel Hajj programming
Tune in to our TV and digital channels to watch our exclusive Hajj programming.
Don’t miss our daily show, “Live Hajj 2023,” where you can immerse yourself in the experience of Hajj through Islam Channel’s comprehensive coverage, including access to all the rites, interviews, and unique experiences.
Check out some of our content from this year’s Hajj so far.
How you can watch Islam Channel this Hajj
You can watch Islam Channel live on our website or on:
Freeview: Channel 264
Sky: Channel 737
Virgin Media: Channel 838
You can also download our app for Apple and Android devices and watch live on your phone, including our other programmes on catchup.