The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, officially began on Monday in Saudi Arabia, with more than 1.5 million international pilgrims arriving for the sacred journey carried out under sweltering conditions and regional geopolitical tensions.

Saudi officials said the influx of worshippers from abroad has been recorded ahead of the multi-day pilgrimage, which draws Muslims from across the world to the holy city of Makkah.

Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, commander of the Hajj passport forces, said on Friday that more than 1.5 million pilgrims had entered the country from overseas.

The pilgrimage began as worshippers performed rituals at the Grand Mosque, including circling the cube-shaped Kaaba, as temperatures rose sharply in the holy city.

Many pilgrims are also moving towards Mina, where they will stay in large tent camps as part of the scheduled rites.

An Egyptian pilgrim, Samya Abdul Moneim, described her arrival in Makkah as deeply emotional, saying she felt “blessed and happy” to be undertaking the journey.

Pilgrims have been using umbrellas, handheld fans and drinking water distributed by volunteers to cope with extreme heat during outdoor rituals.

The Hajj, which every Muslim is expected to perform at least once in their lifetime if physically and financially able, continues over several days and is regarded as a deeply spiritual experience centred on prayer, reflection and forgiveness.

On Tuesday, pilgrims are expected to gather at the plain of Arafat, considered the most important day of the pilgrimage, where worshippers stand in prayer, seek forgiveness and make supplications.

The pilgrimage is taking place against a backdrop of regional uncertainty linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including discussions surrounding a possible US-Iran agreement and the wider impact of conflict-related disruptions in the region.