Muslim pilgrims arrive near Mecca ahead of the start of Arafa Day

Pilgrims have begun arriving in Mecca, gathering in nearby Mina ahead of the annual Hajj. They will spend the night there before proceeding to Mount Arafat for the Day of Arafah, in the lead-up to the Eid al-Adha.

Haider Nour/Reuters

26 May 2026 at 02:25:59

Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount of Mercy on the plain of Arafat during the annual hajj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, May 26, 2026.

Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters

Pilgrims started arriving in Mina on the eastern outskirts of Islam's holiest city of Mecca on Monday (May 25) ahead of Hajj.

The Hajj is one of Islam’s Five Pillars, a mandatory duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime.

Muslims undertaking the annual pilgrimage travel to Mina and stay overnight before heading to Mount Arafat for the Day of Arafa, on the eve of the Eid Al-Adha festival that signals the start of Hajj.

-Haider Nour/Reuters