Pilgrims from the West flock to hajj in Mecca despite uncertainty in war with Iran |
MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AFP) — Despite the Middle East war and a US government travel advisory, there was never any doubt in Fadel’s mind that he would attend this year’s hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
“Even if the war were still ongoing, I would not have backed out,” the 49-year-old US national, who asked that only his first name be used, told AFP.
“We are undoubtedly in the safest place in the world,” he added, referring to a passage from the Koran.
This sentiment is common among many Muslims from Western nations who have come to Saudi Arabia for the upcoming hajj in the wake of the devastating war in the Middle East.
The annual hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, which must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means. Over 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the kingdom for the upcoming hajj, according to a Saudi official, exceeding the number of international visitors last year despite the war in the Middle East.
This year’s rites follow waves of Iranian strikes on targets in Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbors after the United States and Israel attacked the Islamic Republic on February 28 in a bid to undermine the regime and destroy its nuclear and missile programs.
An uneasy ceasefire has largely held since April, even though negotiations between the United States and Iran have failed to reach an agreement.
On Saturday, both sides indicated that an agreement could come soon, but fears........