However, Hajj has no fixed date due to the lunar calendar used in Islam. The Islamic calendar follows the lunar phase cycle, which lasts approximately 29.5 days. Therefore, Islamic months are shorter than those of the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar course. Hajj takes place in the lunar month of Dhul Hijja, which is the last month of the Islamic calendar. However, since the Islamic months do not correspond exactly to the solar months, the precise date of Hajj changes every year. The start of the month of Dhul Hijja is determined based on the sighting of the new moon by Muslim religious authorities, so the date of Hajj fluctuates.
As Muslims around the world prepare to embark on this pilgrimage, which begins in a few days, several advances are transforming this experience and facilitating its unfolding.
How is Hajj performed?
The pilgrimage consists of several rituals. The first is the Ihram, where pilgrims prepare for their day of spiritual cleansing by wearing special clothes, usually white sheets, symbolizing equality before God. Then the pilgrims go to there Kaaba, which symbolizes the House of Allah in Muslim theology, to perform the Tawaf, seven rotations around the Kaaba, reciting specific prayers. Then they perform have them, where they travel seven times the distance between the hills of Safa and Marwa, in commemoration of the search for water by Hajar, the wife of Abraham. Arafat’s Day is the climax of Hajj, where pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat to pray and ask God for forgiveness. They then spend the night Muzdalifah, where they collect stones for the ritual of stoning of the Devil. Finally, they return to the Kaaba to make the Tawaf al-Wadaa, the last farewell Tawaf, before concluding the Hajj.
Travel arrangements
Hajj is now more accessible to Muslims around the world, thanks to advancements in travel and technology. Online platforms have also simplified the process, such as the Nusuk platform, which allows Muslims living in the West to obtain their visa online, thus making their journey to Saudi Arabia easier.
Improvements in transport services are also contributing to the convenience of pilgrims, notably with the introduction of self-driving buses. These autonomous vehicles provide travel between the sacred sites of Mecca and Medina.
The Hajj and Visitation Committee reported that a total of 744,862 people has already arrived in Medina to perform this year’s pilgrimage. Of these people, about 587,845 are currently on their way to Mecca or have reached it, according to Arab News.
In total, the Hajj season of 2023 foresees the participation of approximately 2.6 million Muslims.
A commitment to ensure the safety of pilgrims
Health security is a major concern during the Muslim pilgrimage. More than 2,200 healthcare professionals demonstrate their readiness to provide immediate assistance in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, more than 240 land and air ambulances are also ready to intervene under the aegis of the Saudi Red Crescent. In addition, the Saudi authorities have deployed over 14,000 employees and 8,000 volunteers to help and guide pilgrims.
