A group of Chinese pilgrims has captured global attention after a video of them voluntarily cleaning their surroundings in Makkah went viral on social media. The footage, which has been widely circulated across various platforms, shows the pilgrims, dressed in matching reflective vests, picking up litter and collecting trash in bags near their residence in the sacred city.
Their quiet but impactful gesture has been hailed by many as a powerful display of humility, discipline, and reverence for Makkah, Islam’s holiest city and the site of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). The pilgrims are among the millions of Muslims expected to participate in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, which officially begins next week.
Social media users have flooded the video’s comment sections with praise, invoking prayers that Allah rewards the group for their thoughtful act. While some lauded their discipline and sense of responsibility, others also took the opportunity to commend the ongoing efforts of Makkah’s municipal authorities, who are working tirelessly to maintain cleanliness and order throughout the pilgrimage season.
In response to the growing influx of pilgrims from around the world, the Mayor of Makkah has reiterated the city’s preparedness. Over 25,000 trained municipal staff have been deployed to ensure smooth operations during the Hajj. These personnel are responsible for various services including sanitation, public health, emergency response, and crowd control. They are supported by over 1,460 pieces of heavy-duty equipment, ranging from mechanized sweepers to high-capacity waste disposal machines.
Officials stated that these resources are part of a strategic and comprehensive plan designed to provide uninterrupted, round-the-clock services to the millions expected to pass through the holy city during the pilgrimage period.
Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, draws hundreds of thousands of Muslims annually to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims perform a series of rituals in Makkah and its surrounding areas, often under challenging weather and crowded conditions. This makes cleanliness and safety a top priority for Saudi authorities.
The Chinese pilgrims’ voluntary action, though small in scale, has sparked admiration not just among fellow worshippers but also from those managing logistics on the ground. It serves as a poignant reminder of the spirit of unity, selflessness, and respect that defines the sacred journey of Hajj.
