Millions converge on Mecca for haj
- 13 years ago
Muslims from the world over were performing haj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Saturday (November 5).
Between 2.5 million to 3 million pilgrims were expected to arrive in Mecca to perform the rite, a duty that all able-bodied Muslims must undertake at least once in their lifetime.
Upon arrival to Mecca, visitors perform their Tawaf al-Qudum by circling the sacred cube-shaped Kaaba seven times, reciting prayers along the way.
On Friday (November 4), the first official day of the haj, all pilgrims started their journey to Mina -- a small village east of Mecca -- where they spent the day worshipping before heading to Arafat, a rocky hill nearby.
Pilgrims will later travel to an open plain called Muzdalifa, between Arafat and Mina, to collect pebbles and throw them at pillars representing Satan on the last day of the pilgrimage, celebrated with the Eid al-Adha holiday on Sunday (November 6).
Between 2.5 million to 3 million pilgrims were expected to arrive in Mecca to perform the rite, a duty that all able-bodied Muslims must undertake at least once in their lifetime.
Upon arrival to Mecca, visitors perform their Tawaf al-Qudum by circling the sacred cube-shaped Kaaba seven times, reciting prayers along the way.
On Friday (November 4), the first official day of the haj, all pilgrims started their journey to Mina -- a small village east of Mecca -- where they spent the day worshipping before heading to Arafat, a rocky hill nearby.
Pilgrims will later travel to an open plain called Muzdalifa, between Arafat and Mina, to collect pebbles and throw them at pillars representing Satan on the last day of the pilgrimage, celebrated with the Eid al-Adha holiday on Sunday (November 6).