MINA, (Saudi Arabia): More than one million pilgrims streamed into a giant tented city near Makkah, Saudi Arabia, under a scorching sun on Friday as the Hajj pilgrimage got underway against the grim backdrop of the Gaza war.

Robed worshippers arrived on buses or on foot, many shaded by umbrellas, at the vast encampment after performing the “tawaf” — walking seven times around the holy Kaaba, the giant black cube at Makkah’s Grand Mosque.

Chanting “God is great” and “God, we answer your call”, many were awash with spiritual fervour as they followed in the footsteps of the holy Prophet (PBUH)’s final pilgrimage nearly 1,400 years ago.

Participants, who numbered 1.5 million by Monday, have travelled from all parts of the world for the annual rites, this year held in sweltering conditions with forecast daily highs of 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit).

“It’s very, very hot,” said Fahad Azmar, 31, from Pakistan. “But I thank God for the opportunity to be here.”

They will spend the night at Mina, a rocky valley several kilometres (miles) outside Makkah, before climbing Mount Arafat for the pilgrimage’s climax on Saturday.—AFP