Saudi Arabia says no place for 'political slogans' in Hajj in apparent reference to Gaza

The Saudi minister of Hajj said that political slogans have no place during the pilgrimage as he announced that 1.2 million Muslims arrived in Mecca this week to perform the annual event.

"Hajj is for worship, not for any political slogans," Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said on Thursday, in response to a question by a reporter about the rules and punitive measures governing "political and sectarian slogans".

"This is what the Kingdom's leadership, may God preserve it, is working on, ensuring that Hajj truly embodies the highest levels of devotion, tranquility, and spirituality," he added.

Al-Rabiah said in previous years there has been "a high level of compliance" with these rules.

READ MORE: Saudi Arabia says no place for 'political slogans' in Hajj in apparent reference to Gaza