4 things to know about this year’s Hajj pilgrimage World Jun 4, 2025 11:39 AM EDT

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — Muslims from around the world are in the Saudi city of Mecca for the Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

In the coming days, people will immerse themselves in religious rituals and acts of worship that originated more than 1,400 years ago.

READ MORE: The Hajj pilgrimage and why it’s significant for Muslims

They also have to contend with excess heat and other earthly factors, like a ban on children under the age of 12 and a crackdown on unauthorized entry.

Here’s what to know about this year’s Hajj.

Beating the heat in the Saudi desert

Last year’s pilgrims struggled through burning sun and suffocating hot weather, with the mercury hitting 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees

See Full Page