ReligionIslamSaudi Arabiamuslims

A Glimpse At Hajj, As Millions Of Muslim Pilgrims Arrive In Mecca

Devout Muslims are expected to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
Antonia Blumberg
By 

Reporter, HuffPost

Muslim pilgrims touch the golden doors of the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca on Sept 6.
Muslim pilgrims touch the golden doors of the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca on Sept 6.
AHMAD GHARABLI via Getty Images

The annual hajj pilgrimage is one of the world’s largest gatherings, as some two million people flock to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to participate in one of Islam’s five pillars of faith.

The pilgrimage falls between Sept. 9-14, though Muslims from around the world typically begin arriving in Mecca in the days and weeks leading up to the official start date.

It’s considered an obligation for observant Muslims to undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able.

During the pilgrimage, Muslims from all over the world gather together for five days to pray as one community and celebrate the history of their faith. From the Masjid Al Haram, or Grand Mosque, complex to the hills of Mina, the rites include circling the Kaaba seven times and visiting sites of historical and religious importance.

The holiday of Eid al-Adha takes place several days into hajj and commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience of God.

Scroll down for a peek at what goes on during hajj and how pilgrims perform the sacred rites:

AHMAD GHARABLI via Getty Images
A general view of Muslim pilgrims from all around the world circling around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, in the Saudi city of Mecca on Sept. 9.
AHMAD GHARABLI via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims touch Islam's holiest shrine, the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in the Saudi holy city of Mecca, on Sept. 6.
AHMAD GHARABLI via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims walk in the streets of Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca on Sept. 6.
AHMAD GHARABLI via Getty Images
A shopkeeper shows his products to Muslim pilgrims in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca, on Sept. 8
AHMAD GHARABLI via Getty Images
A Saudi official adjusts an electronic bracelet that Saudi authorities are giving to pilgrims ahead of the annual Hajj Muslim pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca on Sept. 8.
AHMAD GHARABLI via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims from all around the world circle around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, in the Saudi city of Mecca.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Kiswah, the cloth that covers the Kaaba, is being prepared with 670 kg pure silk, 120 kg gold and silver in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Sept. 7.
AHMAD GHARABLI via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims take a selfie as they walk out following the last prayer of the day, leaving the the Grand Mosque in the Saudi holy city of Mecca, on Sept. 7.
AHMAD GHARABLI via Getty Images
A Muslim pilgrim takes a selfie in the Saudi holy city of Mecca, on Sept. 8.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Sept. 7.
AHMAD GHARABLI via Getty Images
A Muslim pilgrim holds a parasol as she walks in the streets of Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca on Sept. 6.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims visit Mount Arafat, also called Jabal al-Rahmah (Mount of Mercy), as they take part in the hajj rituals in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Sept. 3.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims visit Mount Arafat, also called Jabal al-Rahmah (Mount of Mercy).
AHMAD GHARABLI via Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims walk in the streets of Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca on Sept. 6.

Related

IslamSaudi ArabiamuslimsHajjmecca

Before You Go

Mecca's Transformation Over The Decades

|
Submit a tip

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot