• Over one million pilgrims begin Hajj amid rising temperatures expected to exceed 40°C.
• Authorities have enhanced safety measures following last year's heat-related deaths.
• Pilgrims perform rituals at significant sites including the Kaaba and Mount Arafat.
• Artificial intelligence and drones are being utilized to manage crowd safety.
• Many pilgrims express joy and spirituality despite the challenging conditions.

More than a million worshipers commenced the Hajj pilgrimage on June 4, with expectations of rising temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) as they circled the Kaaba in Mecca's Grand Mosque. Saudi authorities are particularly focused on avoiding a repeat of last year, when over 1,300 pilgrims died due to sweltering conditions, at times reaching 51.8°C (125.2°F) according to thejakartapost and lemonde.

Throughout this year's Hajj, approximately 1.4 million pilgrims have already gathered in Saudi Arabia, performing rituals as required by one of the five pillars of Islam. They are being directed to stay indoors during peak heat hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This precaution aims to lessen exposure to the sun after last year's tragic heatwave, as described by sources including dawn and trtglobal.

Pilgrims are expected to spend the night in Mina, before participating in prayers at Mount Arafat, one of the pilgrimage's most sanctified locations, where they will seek forgiveness. Many pilgrims have expressed their spiritual fulfillment, demonstrating resilience amid the challenges associated with the heat, as noted in reports by aa and dawn.

To enhance safety, Saudi authorities have mobilized over 250,000 officials and have implemented additional anti-heat measures, including expanded shaded areas, hundreds of cooling units, and thousands of medical personnel. Significant technological advancements, such as the use of drones and AI for crowd management, are also in place to monitor the pilgrims and ensure their safety. This extensive planning contrasts with previous years where poor management resulted in fatalities during the pilgrimage, according to thejakartapost and trtglobal.

Despite the challenging conditions, many attendees, such as 54-year-old Adel Ismail and Reem al-Shogre, expressed profound happiness and fulfillment in undertaking the pilgrimage. Their experiences encapsulate the spiritual significance of Hajj, providing a stark contrast to the heat-related struggles faced, as highlighted in aa and lemonde.