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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Fares Akram,Niniek Karmini,Abby Sewell,Mariam Fam and Qassim Abdul-Zahra

After long waits, new pilgrims prepare for return of Hajj, the first major one since COVID-19

Copyright 2023, The Associated Press. All rights reserved

This year’s Hajj is a landmark: the first full pilgrimage after a daunting three-year period when the COVID-19 pandemic sharply reduced the scale of one of Islam’s holiest and most beloved rites.

Millions of Muslims from around the world will start converging next week on Mecca in Saudi Arabia to begin the several days of rituals at holy sites in and around the city. For pilgrims, it is the ultimate spiritual moment of their lives, a chance to seek God’s forgiveness for their sins and walk in the footsteps of revered prophets like Muhammad and Abraham.

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