The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia has begun. It’s required once in a lifetime by every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make ...

The Saudi Ministry of Defense has released images of U.S.-made Raytheon MIM-104 Patriot missile systems deployed to protect Mecca and the Grand Mosque during the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage.

The Hajj, one of the largest gatherings of humans on Earth, is meant to be undertaken by every adult Muslim once in their lifetime. It will begin in Saudi Arabia on June 4 and end June 9.

Muslim pilgrims arrive at the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy on the Plain of Arafat during the annual Hajj pilgrimage near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, June 5, 2025.

Muslim pilgrims walk to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual Hajj, in Mina near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, June 7, 2025.