Mecca
Mecca reopens for limited 'umrah' pilgrimage
The umrah, the pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time, usually attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year but it was suspended in March...
The umrah, the pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time, usually attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year.
Mask-clad Muslim pilgrims on Wednesday began the annual hajj, dramatically downsized this year as the Saudi hosts strive to prevent a coronavirus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage.
According to the Jamiatul Ulama Council of Theologians, around 40 Capetonians were unable to perform umrah in Saudi Arabia last month because their operator disappeared with their funds.
Raising their palms skywards, the pilgrims set off on the climb to the summit where they hold prayers to atone for their sins in a ritual that is regarded as the high point of the annual hajj.
The hajj, one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings, is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken by all Muslims with the means at least once in their lives.
A sea of worshippers scaled the rocky hill southeast of the holy city of Mecca for a day of prayers and reflection where Muslims believe Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon.
The ministry said that three cells had planned the attack on worshippers and security forces at the mosque as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan nears its climax.
The figure is based on information provided by the state & religious authorities and local media.
The disaster is unlikely to be a game changer in the contest between Iran & Saudi Arabia.
Rouhani emphasised the need for an investigation into the causes of this incident and other similar incidents.
The effort to uncover the facts and assign blame was likely to grow more acute and possibly more political.
The department says SA’s embassy in Saudi Arabia has not received any reports of injuries or fatalities.
Inside the Mecca hajj tragedy
Over 700 pilgrims died during a stampede at the world’s largest annual gathering.
Over 700 people died on Thursday and more than 800 others were injured during the stampede.
Over 700 pilgrims were crushed in a stampede in the tent city of Mina, which also left hundreds more injured.
At least 717 people have been confirmed dead and many hundreds more have been injured.
Eyewitness News looks at some of the deadliest crushes in recent history of the hajj.