The annual journey to Mecca, also know as Hajj in the Muslim faith, is considered one of the largest yearly gatherings of people on the planet.
All Muslims who are physically and economically able to go to Mecca, a city in Western Saudi Arabia, are mandated by the Pillars of Islam to make the journey at least once in their lives. Muslims come from all over the world to the city to give thanks and prayers and to celebrate.
All men who enter Mecca for the Hajj must wear similar white clothes, symbolizing their equality with one another.
One of the main practices of the Hajj is visiting the Ka`bah, a sacred, cube-shaped building in the center of the Masjid al-Haram, the largest and most holy Mosque in the world. Followers must walk around the Ka`bah seven times and recite prayers.
Next, they visit Mina, an area west of Mecca, where they prepare tents and spend the whole day, offering prayers.
Following the visit to the Ka`bah and Mina, pilgrims continue to the Arafat plains and ascend Mount Mercy to sit vigil.
After visiting and praying at another location known as Muzdalifah, Muslims in Mecca travel again to the Mina to throw pebbles at large pillars to symbolically "stone the devil".
Followers then complete several other rituals over the course of three more days including more stone throwing, animal sacrifice, and the shaving of their heads.
After four days or more of prayer, celebration, rituals, and contemplation, followers visit the Ka`bah again and then leave for home.
Learn more about what's going on in Mecca.
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