Pilgrims gather in Makkah as Hajj 2025 begins

Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Photo: AFP

Muslim pilgrims make their way towards Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Photo: AFP

Muslim pilgrims walk on a road in Mina near Islam's holy city of Mecca on June 4, 2025, ahead of the Mount Arafat prayers as part of Islam's annual Hajj pilgrimage. Photo: AFP

Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or the Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Photo: AFP

Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or the Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Photo: AFP

Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. Photo: AFP

Muslim pilgrims walk on a road in Mina near Islam's holy city of Mecca on June 4, 2025, ahead of the Mount Arafat prayers as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Photo: AFP