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Millions descend on Mecca for Hajj pilgrimage
NBC News Clone summarizes the latest on: Millions Descend Mecca Hajj Pilgrimage Flna1C6620689 - Breaking News | NBC News Clone. This article is rewritten and presented in a simplified tone for a better reader experience.
A view of the Royal Hotel Clock Tower located near the Haram Sharif Mosque during sunset, as seen from the top of the Jabal-al-noor ('Mountain of Light' in Arabic), four days before the Hajj 2012 pilgrimage, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on October 21, 2012.Alaa Badarneh / EPA
Muslim pilgrims wait for the start of prayers at the Grand Mosque in the Saudi holy city of Mecca on October 22, 2012.Fayez Nureldine / AFP - Getty Images
Muslim pilgrims are descending in droves on Mecca for the hajj pilgrimage, which Saudi Arabia insists will not be affected by instability rocking the region.
The annual Islamic pilgrimage, which officially begins on Thursday, October 25, draws three million visitors each year, making it the largest annual gathering of people in the world.
Hajj is among the five pillars of Islam and is required of all able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime.
-- Agence France Presse, The Associated Press
Muslim pilgrims leave the Grand mosque after the noon prayer in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 22, 2012.Hassan Ammar / APA view of the Royal Hotel Clock Tower located near the Haram Sharif Mosque during sunset, as seen from the top of the Jabal-al-noor ('Mountain of Light' in Arabic), four days before the Hajj 2012 pilgrimage, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on October 21, 2012.Alaa Badarneh / EPA
