Dec 16, 2007
AFP: Muslim pilgrims make final preparations for hajj
AFP: Muslim pilgrims make final preparations for hajj: “Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from around the world gathered in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, making final preparations for the annual hajj pilgrimage which is a central tenent of Islam.
Saudi officials say that more than 1.6 million Muslims from abroad have assembled for the hajj, which begins on Monday, the eighth day of the month of Dhi al-Hajja under the lunar calendar.
Hundreds of thousands of Saudi faithful as well as foreigners living in the desert kingdom are also expected to take part.
All Muslims are required to make the hajj to Mecca, in the western region of the kingdom, at least once in their lifetime if they have the means to do so.”
(Via AFP)