VOICE OF AMERICA: “Over 2 Million Muslims Gather in Mecca for Hajj Pilgrimage”

From Voice of America

Muslim piligrims are seen ahead of morning prayers in Mecca's Grand Mosque, on October 13, 2013.

Officials in Saudi Arabia say some two million Muslim pilgrims have made the journey for the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Hajj is the oldest and most sacred ritual of Islam, required of all physically- and financially-able Muslims. Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed.

After morning prayers Sunday, the pilgrims moved from Mecca to Mina valley by road, train and on foot.

They will pray and rest in Mina before moving on Monday to Mount Arafat, where the prophet is said to have delivered his last sermon.

Saudi Arabia has deployed tens of thousands of troops to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.

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