Muslim pilgrims perform rituals in Mina as hajj begins

Published October 3, 2014
Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat, near Mecca, to take part in one of the Hajj rituals on October 3, 2014. – Photo by AFP
Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat, near Mecca, to take part in one of the Hajj rituals on October 3, 2014. – Photo by AFP
Muslim pilgrims gather to pray at Jabal Al Rahma holy mountain, or the mountain of forgiveness, during the annual pilgrimage, known as the hajj, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Oct. 3, 2014. – Photo by AP
Muslim pilgrims gather to pray at Jabal Al Rahma holy mountain, or the mountain of forgiveness, during the annual pilgrimage, known as the hajj, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Oct. 3, 2014. – Photo by AP
Muslim pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat and climb the Jabal Al Rahma holy mountain, or the mountain of forgiveness. –Photo by AP
Muslim pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat and climb the Jabal Al Rahma holy mountain, or the mountain of forgiveness. –Photo by AP
Muslim pilgrims gather to pray at the Plain of Arafat during the annual pilgrimage. – Photo by AP.
Muslim pilgrims gather to pray at the Plain of Arafat during the annual pilgrimage. – Photo by AP.
A Muslim pilgrim prays, as he takes part in one of the Hajj rituals. – Photo by AFP.
A Muslim pilgrim prays, as he takes part in one of the Hajj rituals. – Photo by AFP.
Muslim pilgrims ride in a truck on their way to the Plain of Arafat. – Photo by AP
Muslim pilgrims ride in a truck on their way to the Plain of Arafat. – Photo by AP
Pilgrims pray as they join one of the Hajj rituals on Mount Arafat near Mecca. – Photo by AFP.
Pilgrims pray as they join one of the Hajj rituals on Mount Arafat near Mecca. – Photo by AFP.
Muslim pilgrims join one of the Hajj rituals on Mount Arafat near Mecca. – Photo by AFP
Muslim pilgrims join one of the Hajj rituals on Mount Arafat near Mecca. – Photo by AFP
Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat near Mecca as they perform one of the Hajj rituals late on October 3, 2014. – Photo by AFP
Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat near Mecca as they perform one of the Hajj rituals late on October 3, 2014. – Photo by AFP
Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat near Mecca as they perform one of the Hajj rituals late on October 3, 2014. – Photo by AFP
Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat near Mecca as they perform one of the Hajj rituals late on October 3, 2014. – Photo by AFP
A Muslim pilgrim touches a rock as she prays on Mount Arafat, near Mecca, during one of the Hajj rituals on October 3, 2014. – Photo by AFP
A Muslim pilgrim touches a rock as she prays on Mount Arafat, near Mecca, during one of the Hajj rituals on October 3, 2014. – Photo by AFP
This aerial image made from a helicopter shows Muslim pilgrims circling the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. – Photo by AP
This aerial image made from a helicopter shows Muslim pilgrims circling the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. – Photo by AP

An estimated two million Muslims are streaming into a sprawling tent city near Mecca for the annual hajj pilgrimage.

The pilgrims perform a series of rituals during the annual Hajj. They circumambulate the Ka'aba seven times, run back and forth between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah, drink from the Zamzam Well, go to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil, and throw stones in a ritual Stoning of Devil.

The pilgrims then shave their heads, perform a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate Eid al-Adha holiday.

This year, Saudi Arabia banned hajj and work visas for people from Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea as a precaution to avoid the spread of Ebola during hajj.

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