Muslim pilgrims gather in Mecca for hajj

MINA (AFP) — Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world began moving yesterday from the holy city of Mecca to nearby Mina for the start of the hajj.

Almost two million people are expected to take part in this year’s pilgrimage, undeterred by a crane collapse in Mecca earlier this month that killed 109 people and injured nearly 400 at Islam’s holiest site.

”It is a gift from God that He has chosen us to come here,” said Walaa Ali, a 35-year-old Egyptian pilgrim with tears in her eyes. “I am so happy to be here.” Nearby, both men and women sat side by side listening to preachers explain the history and rituals of the hajj, one of the world’s largest annual gatherings.

This year ’ s hajj begins against a backdrop of increased jihadist violence, a surge of the deadly MERS virus and with Saudi Arabia at war in Yemen.

The first day of the hajj is known as Tarwiah Day, when pilgrims traditionally water their animals and stock water for their trip to Mt. Arafat, about 10 kilometers southeast of Mina.

Nowadays, pilgrims spend their time there in prayer and reciting the Koran.

The climax of the hajj season is on Arafat Day, which falls on Wednesday. With the start of the hajj, pilgrims enter the stage of ihram — a state of purity in which they must not wear perfume, cut their nails, or trim their hair or beards.

During ihram, men wear a seamless two-piece shroudlike white garment, symbolizing resurrection and emphasizing unity regardless of social status or nationality.

Women must wear loose dresses exposing only their faces and hands.

They are following the 1,400-year-old tradition of the Prophet Mohammed.

The hajj is among the five pillars of Islam and every capable Muslim must perform the pilgrimage at least once in their life.

Previously marred by stampedes and fires that killed hundreds, it had been largely incident-free for the past decade after safety improvements.

But on Sept. 11, during severe winds, a construction crane toppled into a courtyard of Mecca’s Grand Mosque.

REUTERS A decorated camel rests at an animal market in Pakistan. Muslims across the world are preparing to celebrate the annual festival of Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the annual hajj pilgrimage, by slaughtering goats, sheep, cows and camels in...