No one knows for certain if Joshua, the Old Testament prophet, actually lived or where he might be buried. But for over 1,000 years, the sick and faithful have visited a Baghdad tomb said to be his.
Tag: Pilgrimages
From Iraq, an Intimate Glimpse of the Religious Holiday of Arbaeen
Every year, millions of pilgrims descend on the central Iraqi city of Karbala to commemorate the Shiite holiday of Arbaeen, one of the largest organized gatherings in the world.
The Pilgrimage Must Go On: Senegal Holds Festival That Could Draw Millions
Pilgrims from across the West African country flocked to the holy city of Touba, where they slept, ate and prayed together for the Magal religious festival — despite coronavirus concerns.
Pilgrims, Fewer and Socially Distanced, Arrive in Mecca for Annual Hajj
The coronavirus pandemic has curtailed the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, limiting the number of people and barring people from outside the kingdom.
The Hajj Pilgrimage Is Canceled, and Grief Rocks the Muslim World
The coronavirus pandemic upended the plans of millions of Muslims, for whom the once-in-a-lifetime trip is a sacred milestone.
Saudi Arabia Drastically Limits Hajj Pilgrimage to Prevent Viral Spread
Saudi Arabia said only “very limited numbers” of pilgrims could perform the hajj this year, with only Saudis and foreign nationals already in the kingdom allowed to take part.
Coronavirus Invades Saudi Inner Sanctum
More than six weeks after Saudi Arabia reported its first case, the coronavirus is striking at the heart of the kingdom’s sprawling royal family.
For Shut-In Pilgrims, the World’s Holiest Sites Are a Click Away
The pandemic has closed holy sites across the globe, but virtual reality is providing worshipers a digital window into ceremonies during touchstone holidays.
In a Pandemic, Religion Can Be a Balm and a Risk
As scientists and politicians struggle for a response to the coronavirus, many people are turning to faith. But some practices raise public health concerns.
Worried About Coronavirus, India Tries to Head Off a Mass Hindu Pilgrimage
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges Indians to stay home at a time when hundreds of thousands of Hindus usually try to gather at Ayodhya.