RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE
Iran pilgrims back in Mecca for hajj
Mecca, Saudi Arabia — More than 2-million Muslims from around the world began the hajj pilgrimage at Islam’s holiest sites on Wednesday, a religious duty and an epic multi-stage journey. In 2017, pilgrims from Shiite Iran return to Mecca in Saudi Arabia after a hiatus following a diplomatic spat between the regional rivals and a deadly stampede in 2015. But with the Gulf mired in a major political crisis, thousands of faithful who would usually make the journey from Qatar have stayed away. On the esplanade of Mecca’s Grand Mosque, the excitement was palpable as crowds from all four corners of the world gathered for a pilgrimage that all able Muslims are required to perform at least once in their lives. Tidjani Traore, a public service consultant from Benin, said he was on his 22nd pilgrimage at the age of 53. "Every time, there are new emotions," he said. "There are new innovations for organising and hosting the pilgrims. Now, for example, the tents are air-conditioned." Wearing the...
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