LOOK: More than 2 million Muslim worshippers arrive in Mecca for hajj pilgrimage

0

(AFP) ? In the searing heat, this was the scene at the Grand Mosque in Mecca today as millions of pilgrims arrived for the annual hajj ? a religious journey that is viewed as one of the Muslim faith?s greatest acts of worship.

The mosque, the focal point of Islam, was teeming with visitors wearing the simple white folds of cloth prescribed for hajj.

Almost 2million people have so far arrived at the site in Saudi Arabia for the rites, which reach a peak on Monday ? and another million are expected.

And with temperatures hitting 36c (97f), many congregated in the cooler shadow of the building?s minarets.

This was the scene today as millions of pilgrims started to arrive at the Grand Mosque in Mecca for Islam's annual haj This was the scene today as millions of pilgrims started to arrive at the Grand Mosque in Mecca for Islam?s annual haj Muslim pilgrims wait before performing the afternoon prayer at the mosque in Saudi Arabia todayMuslim worshippers wait before performing the afternoon prayer at the mosque in Saudi Arabia today Wearing traditional cloth, people pray on a street near the Grand Mosque, which is the focal point of the faithWearing traditional cloth, people pray on a street near the Grand Mosque, which is the focal point of the faith

Haj must be performed at least once in their lifetime by all Muslims capable of making the expensive, difficult journey ? a duty that applies equally to Sunni and Shi?ite Muslims at a time of tension between Islam?s main sects.

Saudi Arabian authorities have asked pilgrims to put politics aside during the annual hajj, but amid bitter divisions in Egypt, some Islamists refuse to keep quiet.

Send your news stories to [email protected] Follow News Ghana on Google News

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here