Millions of Muslims begin hajj pilgrimage in Mecca
Riyadh (dpa) - An estimated three million Muslims from around the world began the annual hajj pilgrimage in Islam's holiest city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia Thursday.
After donning the traditional white robes of the hajj the pilgrims set out from Mecca for the sprawling tent city in Mina eight kilometres away where they will be accommodated for the next few days.
On Friday they will continue on to Mount Arafat, the most important stage of the hajj, to ask God for forgiveness.
The Saudi authorities have implemented comprehensive security measures in order to avoid any recurrence of previous tragedies. Almost 400 people died in the last hajj at the beginning of this year during a stampede.
The crush took place on the third day of the hajj, when pilgrims throw stones at three pillars in Mina representing the devil. To get to that point, the crowd must squeeze through a narrow bridge.
The hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every Muslim is expected to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. // © 2006 DPA
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| Muslim pilgrims pray in the holy city of Mecca Wednesday 27 December 2006. Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz said Wednesday that all the security arrangements have been completed for the hajj. EPA/Mohamed Messara |
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