During the annual Hajj pilgrimage, more than 1.2 million heads of cattle are slaughtered as part of the ritual sacrifices performed by Muslims. This significant number includes various types of animals, primarily sheep, goats, and camels.
The Hajj is a mandatory religious pilgrimage for Muslims who are able to undertake it, and it attracts over two million pilgrims each year. One of the key rituals is the Qurbani or Udhiyah, which involves sacrificing an animal to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael. The meat from these sacrifices is traditionally distributed to the poor and needy.
To manage the immense scale of this ritual slaughter, the process is highly organized. According to reports, over 16,000 abattoir workers are employed to work around the clock. Their role is to ensure the sacrifice and processing of the animals are conducted strictly in keeping with Islamic law (Sharia) and public health guidelines.
The large number of animals involved underscores the scale of the Hajj pilgrimage and the importance of the sacrifice ritual within it.
