The 2,250 Bosnian pilgrims will join more than 1.8 million pilgrims from around the world to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage will begin on Friday the 14th.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims in white tunics and dresses gather around the world to start a spiritual journey to Mecca. The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred experience that transforms the lives of those who participate in it.
Thousands of pilgrims, 2,250 Bosnian Muslimsthey congregate in the mosque of Sarajevoready to begin their journey towards Mecca.
The preparation
Before heading to the airport to board a plane to Saudi Arabia, the pilgrims perform the dawn prayer. This prayer, led by the head of Bosnia’s official Islamic community, marks the beginning of their journey to the holy city.
The emotion is palpable among the pilgrims, who are accompanied by friends and family. On the verge of tears, one of them declares: “I am speechless“I have no words, I feel like crying (with joy).” Another, named Ismet Parlic, expresses his happiness and anxious anticipation of this unique moment in your life.
Trip
Two planes with Bosnian pilgrims will leave Sarajevo daily until June 12, the date on which everyone is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia. The hajj, as “al Hajj” is known in Arabic, will begin on the night of June 14 and conclude on June 19.
Physical and climatic challenges
Saudi Arabia has announced that pilgrims can expect maximum temperatures averages 44 degrees Celsius during the hajj. These extreme conditions increase the risk of heat stress among the faithful.
The rituals that pilgrims will perform in and around the holy city of Mecca are physically demanding. Dr. Adem Zalihic, leader of a medical team accompanying Bosnian Muslims on the hajj, warns about the dangers of extreme heat. “The upper respiratory tract is the most vulnerable to extremely hot weather,” she says.
Despite the challenges, Closed spaces in Saudi Arabia have air conditioning, providing relief from the scorching heat. Pilgrims receive advice to protect their health during this unique experience.
The largest religious concentration in the world
Last year, 1.8 million Muslims around the world they met in Mecca for the hajj, making it one of the largest religious concentrations on the planet.
