VOA文化艺术2023--Two Million Expected in Hajj Pilgrimage as it Starts in Saudi Arabia

Over 2 million Muslims are gathered in the Islamic holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for this year's hajj pilgrimage, or religious trip. The pilgrimage has returned to the usual level of participation¹ for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The pilgrims made their way out of Mecca on Monday after circling Islam's holiest site, the Kaaba. They are gathering² in the nearby desert for a day and night of prayer.

The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars, or central beliefs, of Islam. The Quran, Islam's holy book, says that all Muslims who are physically³ and financially able should make the pilgrimage once in their lifetime. It takes place over five days.

The hajj follows a path that Muslims believe their prophet Muhammad walked almost 1,400 years ago. The holy walk is seen as a uniting event for the world's 1.8 billion Muslims. Some people spend years saving up money to pay for the trip.

Pilgrims have been circling the Kaaba since arriving in Mecca over recent days. As the last ones performed it Monday, the pilgrims made their way by foot or by bus to Mina. They will camp there in one of the largest tent cities in the world.

Mina is a large open space with little to protect people from the sun and intense heat. Soldiers cooled pilgrims with water.

Egyptian businessmen Yehya Al-Ghanam said he was at a loss for words to describe his feelings on arriving at Mina.

He said, "Tears will fall from my eyes out of joy and happiness."

Pilgrims pray throughout the day and night before traveling on Tuesday to Mount Arafat. That is where Muhammad is said to have given his final speech.

After Arafat, the pilgrims collect small rocks from a place known as Muzdalifa. They then return to Mina to throw the rocks at three stone walls that represent evil. This is the final act of the hajj.

Then, Muslims begin celebrating the three-day long holiday of Eid al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice.

Words in This Story

participate – v. to take part in an activity or event with others

pillar – n. a basic fact, idea, or principle of something

prophet – n. a member of some religions (such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) who delivers messages that are believed to have come from God

tent – n. a portable shelter that is used outdoors, is made of cloth (such as canvas or nylon), and is held up with poles and ropes

joy – n. a feeling of great happiness

1 participation   

n.参与，参加，分享

参考例句：

• Some of the magic tricks called for audience participation.有些魔术要求有观众的参与。
• The scheme aims to encourage increased participation in sporting activities.这个方案旨在鼓励大众更多地参与体育活动。

2 gathering   

n.集会，聚会，聚集

参考例句：

• He called on Mr. White to speak at the gathering.他请怀特先生在集会上讲话。
• He is on the wing gathering material for his novels.他正忙于为他的小说收集资料。

3 physically   

adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律

参考例句：

• He was out of sorts physically,as well as disordered mentally.他浑身不舒服，心绪也很乱。
• Every time I think about it I feel physically sick.一想起那件事我就感到极恶心。