Photos: Millions of Muslims embark on annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca

One of the Five Pillars of Islam occurs once a year during the lunar month of Dhul-Hijja

Last updated: June 07, 2025 | 18:32

2 MIN READ

MECCA: The annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia has begun. It’s required once in a lifetime by every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it. The Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, occurs once a year during the lunar month of Dhul-Hijja, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar year.

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Pilgrims gather on top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat.

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Muslim pilgrims offer prayers at top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat.

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Muslim pilgrims walk around the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque.

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Muslim worshippers gather to pray around the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Mecca.

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Muslim pilgrim pray after they cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, in Mina near the holy city of Mecca.

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Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or the Mount of Mercy.

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Cooling fans spray water over Muslim pilgrims, in Mina near the holy city of Mecca.

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Cooling fans spray water over Muslim pilgrims, in Mina near the holy city of Mecca.

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Muslim pilgrims walk on a road in Mina near Islam's holy city of Mecca.

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Muslim pilgrims walk on a road in Mina near Islam's holy city of Mecca.

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