Riyadh Events
Supplicating Pilgrim at Masjid Al Haram © Ali Mansuri
The Hajj
The Hajj is the duty of every able Muslim, a pilgrimage to
Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed. It is the fifth and
final pillar of Islam, guided by the prophet, and each year roughly
two million devout Muslims take the journey. The pilgrims, or
hajjis, wear white as a symbol of their purity and equality
throughout the occasion whereupon all gather around the Great
Mosque in Mecca to walk seven times around the Kabah shrine before
kissing it, in one of the most famous displays of religious duty in
the entire world. It is almost impossible for non-Muslim's to
partake, although many have tried and succeeded over the years,
including famous explorer Sir Richard Burton.
Venue: Mecca;
Date: 6 - 9 December 2008
