The hajj pilgrimage in numbers
Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from across the globe began the annual hajj pilgrimage on Tuesday (Sept 22).
The pilgrims began moving from Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca to nearby Mina for the start of the event.
The first day of the hajj is known as Tarwiah Day, when pilgrims traditionally watered their animals and stocked water for their trip to Mount Arafat, about 10km from Mina.
Pilgrims stay in specially-built fireproof tents in Mina, a city which only comes alive during the hajj season.
At Mount Arafat, they will pray and recite from the Koran during the climax of the hajj season on Wednesday (Sept 23).
Mount Arafat, a rocky hill on a vast plain, is where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have given his final sermon after leading his followers on the hajj.
Find out more about the hajj pilgrimage below.
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