Annual Hajj Pilgrimage Begins In Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The Hajj, one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, began in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on June 26. Here is everything you need to know about the pilgrimage
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The pilgrimage kicked off on June 26 and will end on July 1. Thousands of pilgrims pray around the cubic building called Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca
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Ayedh al-Ghweinim, a spokesperson for the Saudi Hajj Ministry told Associated Press, “More than 1.8 million pilgrims from all over the world have already amassed in and around Mecca for the Hajj"
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The Hajj takes place every year over six days during the 12-month Islamic calendar. It is an important part of the Islamic faith
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The Saudi Arabia government allows only a fixed quota of pilgrims from different countries to perform the Hajj as it is impossible for the country to host billions of people
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Many Muslims around the world have to wait years to perform the Hajj as the quota system puts them on a waitlist for Hajj visas
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It is believed that all Muslims are required to make the five-day Hajj at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially capable of doing it
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Hajj brings together Muslims across the world to celebrate the spirit of unity and brotherhood. The pilgrimage involves a series of rituals that symbolise faith, devotion and unity
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The residents of Mecca volunteer to distribute food packages to the pilgrims. Several tents have been put up to house pilgrims in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca