Annual Pilgrimage

A friend of mine who is a Muslim took these photos on his annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world make the journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) Dressed in the same simple white clothing to represent human equality, the pilgrims gather together to perform the rites dating back to the time of Abraham.

Hajj is considered one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Muslims are required to make the pilgrimage once in a lifetime, if they are physically and financially able to make the journey to Mecca.

This is Mount Arafat.

The Day of Arafat falls on the 2nd day of the pilgrimage rituals. At dawn nearly 2 million Muslim pilgrims will make their way from Mecca to this hillside. It was the site that Prophet Muhammed gave his famous farewell sermon.

During the entire day from dawn to sunset Muslim Pilgrims stand in earnest supplication and devotion praying for Gods forgiveness. Tears are shed readily as those who gather make repentance and seek Gods mercy, recite words of prayer and remembrance and gather together as equals.

The plain of Arafat

Al Rahama

The Holy City of Mecca - Grand Mosque

On the first day of the pilgrimage the pilgrims must enter the Grand Mosque and walk around the Ka'aba (the black stone in the middle) seven times counter clockwise, kissing the black stone on each circuit. If kissing the stone is not possible because of the crowds they must point to it with their right hand on each circuit. After each complete circuit each pilgrim must say " In the name of God, God is great, God is great, God is great and praise be to God"

Jamarat

"Stoning of the Devil" or stoning of the jamarat is part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims must fling pebbles at three walls called jamarat in the city of Mina. It is one of a series of ritual acts that must be perfomed in the Hajj.

Until 2004 the three jamarat were tall pillars but have since been replaced by 26m long walls for safety, many people were accidently throwing pebbles at people on the other side.

On the 10th day of Hajj pilgrims must hit the large jamrah only with seven pebbles. On each of the following days they must hit each of the three wall with seven pebbles going from east to west. At least 49 pebbles are needed for the ritual, more if some throws are missed.

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