The Hajj step by step:
To carry out the pilgrimage rituals a pilgrim needs to be in a state of Ihram - a special state of ritual purity.
A pilgrim does this by making a statement of intention
to perform the Hajj, wearing special white clothes (which are also
called Ihram), and obeying certain regulations.
During the Hajj, pilgrims are forbidden to:
- Engage in marital relations
- Shave or cut their nails
- Use cologne or scented oils
- Kill or hunt anything
- Fight or argue
- Women must not cover their faces, even if they would do so in their home country
- Men may not wear clothes with stitching.
Every year about two million Muslims converge on Mecca - the holiest place in Islam - to take part in an event which combines piety and passion.
Many Muslims save for years in order to perform the pilgrimage. They often have to travel thousands of miles.
Then, once they arrive, they must brave vast crowds and the fierce heat of the desert as they perform the Hajj rituals.
The Hajj takes place over five days
Women pilgrims - who normally remove face coverings for the ceremony - join in.
Pilgrims gather Monday at Jabal al-Rahma in Arafat, Saudi Arabia. They offer prayers of repentance and ask for salvation and spiritual renewal at Mount Arafat.
Crowds of pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, last week before the start of the Hajj. The Grand Mosque is the focal point for Hajj spiritual rites.
Hajj stampede kills hundreds
MINA, Saudi Arabia (CNN) -- At least 345 people have been killed in a stampede during a symbolic stoning ritual at the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, according to the country's health ministry.
Health Minister Hamad al-Maneh told Saudi TV that 289 others were were injured in the stampede near Mecca and taken to hospital.
Many of those injured were not seriously hurt and have been released from the hospital, al-Maneh said. The number of injured does not include those treated on the scene, he said.
Jan. 12 (Bloomberg) -- At least 345 people died today during a stampede at the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, the Saudi Arabian health minister said.
The stampede took place at the foot of the Jamarat bridge, where pilgrims hurl stones at three pillars representing the spot where the devil is said to have appeared to Abraham.
"My parents have performed Hajj and say if one person trips, the push from the crowd behind will cause the people to either trample over the guy or fall down and be trampled by others"
Shabnam, Austin, US
Hundreds of Muslim pilgrims have been killed in a stampede in a farewell ritual of the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
