Western Pilgrims Flock to Makkah Undeterred by Middle East Tensions
War between the United States and Israel with Iran has triggered travel warnings to Middle Eastern countries from the US government. However, this has not deterred the enthusiasm of hajj pilgrims from Western nations in their journey to Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
According to AFP on Sunday (24 May 2026), one US citizen, Fadel, said he has never doubted performing the hajj pilgrimage this year in Saudi Arabia. He stated that the war does not make him retreat.
“Even if the war is still ongoing, I will not withdraw,” said Fadel.
He stated that Makkah is the safest place in the world. He conveyed this by referring to verses of the Qur’an.
“We are undoubtedly in the safest place in the world,” he said.
The pilgrimage this year continues to be observed by Muslim pilgrims from around the world despite the war triggered by the US and Israel, which has caused Iran to launch retaliatory attacks on US facilities in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries. Now the war is beginning to subside although a ceasefire remains in a critical condition.
The US and Iran have also indicated that an agreement could be reached soon. However, concerns remain that fighting could resume at any time.
The US Embassy in Riyadh has also advised US citizens not to participate in the hajj pilgrimage this year due to security reasons. The war could also leave hajj pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia owing to flight closures.
However, this is not a reason for Muslims from Western nations to abandon the pillar of Islam. An Australian citizen, Sayed (47), said there is no hesitation in coming to Makkah even when his own government issued an urgent appeal for citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia.
“When you intend to come, you come with a reason and a purpose. And that is why you are here and place your trust in God that everything will be fine,” he told AFP outside Al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
Currently, more than one million pilgrims have flooded the holy city ahead of the peak of hajj, which begins with the standing at Arafah on Tuesday (26 May). The atmosphere in Makkah also reflects the diversity of the global Islamic community, with many carrying equipment such as bags and umbrellas that display their countries of origin.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I decided not to miss it despite the situation in the Gulf being uncertain,” said German citizen Ibrahim Diab (63).
A pilgrim from Britain, Imad Ahmad (36), acknowledged being concerned about the war situation. However, there is no hesitation in performing the hajj pilgrimage despite his flight having been temporarily held up in Jordan.
“I am very concerned about it. I will come, in whatever way I can, God willing,” said Imad Ahmad.