THE TRUTH ABOUT: 4 - The Untold Story

Hajj pilgrimage becoming more dangerous due to global heating, report warns

Climate change is gradually narrowing the window in which the annual hajj Muslim pilgrimage can take place safely, according to new research by the World Weather Attribution group published on Friday.

Radio France Internationale · May 29

Global heating is making hajj ever more dangerous, report finds

Rising heat in Saudi Arabia threatens millions of Muslim pilgrims – but cutting fossil fuels would keep it safer

The Guardian - UK · May 28

Clay pot buried by Mecca pilgrim found to contain gold, silver and gem-encrusted jewellery

Geometrical patterns on 8th-century jewellery indicate they were crafted by skilled metalworkers

The Independent UK · May 28

Saudi Arabia: Hajj 2026 reaches its spiritual peak as millions of Muslim pilgrims gather

Saudi Arabia entered the most significant stage of the 2026 hajj on 26 May as millions of pilgrims dressed in white gathered at Mount Arafat near Mecca and circled the Kaaba inside the Grand Mosque.

Euronews · May 26

More than 1.5m Muslim pilgrims begin hajj as Iran peace deal hangs in the balance

Despite the uncertainty triggered by the Iran war, Saudi officials noted over the weekend that more pilgrims had travelled from abroad to participate in this year’s hajj than in 2025.

Euronews · May 25

The sacred cloth at the center of the Hajj pilgrimage

As Muslims gather for the annual pilgrimage of Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, they will circle around the “Kaaba,” a black cube draped in gold-embroidered cloth. A ceremonial textile – known as the “kiswah” – covers the Kaaba, around which Muslims will walk seven times in a ritual known as…

The Conversation · May 25

Muslims begin Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca amid war threat

The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, has begun with more than 1.5 million pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia from outside the nation.

AAP · May 25

Iranians find 'peace and safety' in Mecca during hajj

MECCA (SAUDI ARABIA) - Being in Mecca has been nothing short of blissful for Hassan Qadiri, where participating in the festivities of the hajj pilgrimage is a welcome relief after weeks of devastating war back home in Iran.

Bangkok Post · May 25

Pilgrims kick off hajj as war's trajectory hangs in the balance

Over 1.5 million Muslims have converged in Mecca for the annual hajj pilgrimage. This significant religious event unfolds against a backdrop of regional conflict and hopes for peace. Pilgrims from across the globe are participating, with Saudi Arabia enhancing security measures. The hajj rituals are underway, drawing worshippers to holy…

The Economic Times · May 25

With ice cream and giant fans, Hajj pilgrims battle searing heat

To avoid the punishing sun, Inas Gamal abandoned her ambitious plan of spending the days ahead of the hajj praying in Mecca's Grand Mosque and retreated to the comfort of an air-conditioned hotel room to perform her daytime prayers. "I had planned to perform all my prayers at the Grand…

The Economic Times · May 25