how many pilgrims perform hajj in 2023
According to a report from the official news agency SPA on Thursday, the authorities have recorded a total of 585,932 individuals who have made the journey to Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj pilgrimage.
how many pilgrims perform hajj in 2023
These pilgrims have arrived from various parts of the world, demonstrating the global significance of this religious event.
Data provided by the Hajj and Visit Committee on the influx and departure of pilgrims in Medina reveals that on Wednesday alone, 28,531 individuals arrived in the city, while 471,051 pilgrims departed to the sacred sites in Mecca. As of Wednesday, there were still 114,830 pilgrims who remained in Medina to engage in spiritual activities.
The highly anticipated Hajj pilgrimage, an annual event that draws millions of Muslims to the holy city of Mecca, is scheduled to commence on June 26, pending an official announcement from the authorities. This year's Hajj holds immense significance as it will be the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that approximately 2.6 million Muslims will gather to partake in the sacred Islamic ritual.
In early June, Saudi Arabia revealed its most extensive Hajj operation plan to date, as the restrictions on the number of pilgrims were lifted. To ensure the smooth execution of the pilgrimage, a remarkable workforce of 14,000 staff members and over 8,000 volunteers will be deployed on the ground, offering assistance to the millions of pilgrims expected to participate.
Recognizing the importance of healthcare, the authorities have taken proactive measures by establishing more than 170 hospitals and health centers in the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. These facilities are fully equipped and ready to cater to the medical needs of Hajj pilgrims, ensuring their well-being and safety throughout the pilgrimage season.
what the meaning of Pilgrims (Plymouth Colony)
The Pilgrims, also referred to as the Pilgrim Fathers, were a group of English colonists who embarked on a momentous journey to America aboard the Mayflower. Their destination was the Plymouth Colony, located in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Interestingly, John Smith had previously given the area the name "New Plymouth" in 1616, which coincidentally shared the name with the Pilgrims' port of departure, Plymouth, Devon. The Pilgrims hailed from religious congregations known as Brownists or Separatist Puritans, who sought refuge in the Netherlands from religious persecution in England during the 17th century.
Although sharing many of the same religious beliefs as other Puritan Calvinists, the Pilgrims held the conviction that their congregations should break away from the Church of England. This stance led to them being labeled as Separatists. After spending several years in exile in Holland, they made the courageous decision to establish a new settlement in the New World. They secured financial backing from investors and founded the Plymouth Colony in 1620, where they erected Congregationalist churches as places of worship. The story of the Pilgrims has since become a significant and enduring part of the history and cultural fabric of the United States.
