An 11-month-old baby who came to perform Hajj with his parents has been declared the youngest Hajj pilgrim of the year. The baby’s nationality and name not disclosed. This baby is among the more than 1.8 million pilgrims from over 150 countries who have participated in the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, this year.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a religious duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it. It involves a series of rituals that commemorate the trials and sacrifices of Prophet Abraham and his family. In the hajj, pilgrims wear simple white garments that symbolize equality and unity. They circle the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, and pray at Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon. They also stone the devil, sacrifice an animal, and shave their heads or cut their hair.
This year’s Hajj has a significant increase in the number of pilgrims compared to last year when only a few thousand people allowed to perform the pilgrimage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, this year’s Hajj has attracted 18.45 million pilgrims, which is 9.26 million more than last year.
The Saudi authorities have taken strict measures to ensure the health and safety of the pilgrims amid the pandemic. They have required all pilgrims to fully vaccinated, wear face masks, and maintain social distancing. They have also provided medical services, transportation, and accommodation for the pilgrims.
The 11-month-old baby who has performed Hajj with his parents is a rare and remarkable sight that has captured the attention of many people. This baby’s presence at the Hajj shows the diversity and inclusiveness of Islam and its followers. The baby also represents the hope and joy that millions of Muslims around the world share during this sacred occasion.
