Pilgrims are performing the farewell Tawaf in Makkah as the Hajj 2023 comes to a close. 

This year’s Hajj has been the largest since the onset of the pandemic, with more than 1.8 million individuals participating in the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims will gather their belongings to leave the sacred sites on the second and third days of tashreeq. These days are mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah.‍

“Celebrate the praises of Allah during the Appointed Days. But if anyone hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if anyone stays on, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. Then fear Allah, and know that ye will surely be gathered unto Him. (2:203)‍

Before they leave, they will circle around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque. The final farewell tawaf is obligatory before leaving Makkah. 

The Prophet (SAW) said: “No one should leave (Makkah) until he performs the last circumambulation of the Kaaba”.‍

“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been blessed by Allah all mighty to serve the Two Holy Mosques and take care of them and has made this at the forefront of its interests,” said The Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“The Kingdom has made every effort and harnessed all capabilities to provide the pilgrims comfort and tranquility.”

Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, the President of the Two Holy Mosques, extended his congratulations to the Hujjaj, The Crown Prince and all the employees for overseeing the successful conclusion of the Hajj season. ‍

Challenging weather

After completing their Hajj rituals, the pilgrims will depart from Makkah. Many will travel to Madinah to pray in the Prophet’s Mosque and visit prominent Islamic landmarks.‍‍

Despite the success of the Hajj, high temperatures posed a challenge, reaching a scorching 48°C.

The Holy Mosques tweeted some of the health services provided by the Saudi authorities free of charge to pilgrims.

It said over 400,000 pilgrims received health service, with more than 8,000 incidents related to high temperature.

Highlights from Hajj 2023

Here are some of our highlights from Hajj 2023.

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