Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba at the Al-Masjid al-Haram (Grand mosque) in Mecca October 31, 2011.Reuters
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba at the Al-Masjid al-Haram (Grand mosque) in Mecca October 31, 2011.ReutersA Muslim woman pilgrim walks past pigeons to perform prayers at the Grand Mosque upon arrival in Mecca, during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca October 27, 2011ReutersMuslim pilgrims attend afternoon prayers outside the Al-Masjid al-Haram (Grand mosque) in Mecca October 31, 2011ReutersMuslim women pilgrims walk to perform prayers at the Grand Mosque upon arrival in Mecca, during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca October 27, 2011.ReutersPilgrims stand in line to board a ferry at Suakin port in the Red Sea state, October 10, 2011, in preparation for Haj.ReutersMuslim pilgrims walk outside the Grand Mosque during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca October 27, 2011.ReutersA pilgrim carrying her luggage on her head boards a ferry at Suakin port in the Red Sea state, October 10, 2011ReutersMuslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba at the Al-Masjid al-Haram (Grand mosque) in Mecca October 31, 2011ReutersA Muslim pilgrim carries an older pilgrim during the annual haj pilgrimage outside the Grand Mosque in Mecca October 30, 2011.ReutersMuslim pilgrims perform prayers upon their arrival in Mecca, during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca October 27, 2011ReutersA pilgrim reads the Koran outside the Grand Mosque during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca October 30, 2011Reuters
More than 1.5 million Muslims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrim numbers are limited by the Saudi government, who have in the past had difficulties dealing with the huge numbers of people who flock to the country's holiest sites. The vast crowds have caused security issues in former years, such as the 2006 stampede which killed hundreds of worshippers.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam and required by all Muslims able-bodies enough to perform it, officially begins on the eight day of the lunar month of Dhul Hijja, which falls this year on Friday, November 4. Most pilgrims, however, arrive early in order to visit mosques in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, where the prophet Muhammed is buried.
This year's Hajj season comes at a turbulent time for the Middle East, and the last few months have seen mass popular uprisings in the region that have unseated three long-time dictators and threatened the power of several more. King Abdullah has so far quashed any attempts at similar revolts in the Gulf Kingdom, but will no doubt be nervous about the mass influx of Muslims from other countries.
