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Pilgrimage to Mecca

Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba and pray inside the Grand Mosque on Oct. 23 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Three million Muslims conduct a pilgrimage, or Hajj, to the city each year, which makes this event the largest yearly gathering of people in the world.
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba and pray inside the Grand Mosque on Oct. 23 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Three million Muslims conduct a pilgrimage, or Hajj, to the city each year, which makes this event the largest yearly gathering of people in the world.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Muslim pilgrims pray at the top of Noor Mountain near the Hiraa Cave on Oct. 21.
Muslim pilgrims pray at the top of Noor Mountain near the Hiraa Cave on Oct. 21.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Pilgrims pray on the summit of Noor Mountain near the Hiraa Cave. Muslims believe the prophet Mohammed received his first divine revelation in the cave.
Pilgrims pray on the summit of Noor Mountain near the Hiraa Cave. Muslims believe the prophet Mohammed received his first divine revelation in the cave.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Muslim pilgrims offer prayers on Noor Mountain.
Muslim pilgrims offer prayers on Noor Mountain.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Pilgrims pray near the Hiraa Cave.
Pilgrims pray near the Hiraa Cave.
Hassan Ammar, AP
A Muslim pilgrim prays on Noor Mountain.
A Muslim pilgrim prays on Noor Mountain.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Pilgrims walk down Noor Mountain after visiting the Hiraa Cave.
Pilgrims walk down Noor Mountain after visiting the Hiraa Cave.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Thousands of Muslim pilgrims worship inside and outside the Grand Mosque on Oct. 22 in Mecca.
Thousands of Muslim pilgrims worship inside and outside the Grand Mosque on Oct. 22 in Mecca.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Muslim pilgrims pray inside and outside the Grand Mosque.
Muslim pilgrims pray inside and outside the Grand Mosque.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Muslim pilgrims pray outside the Grand Mosque.
Muslim pilgrims pray outside the Grand Mosque.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Muslim pilgrims pray outside the Grand Mosque on Oct. 23.
Muslim pilgrims pray outside the Grand Mosque on Oct. 23.
Hassan Ammar, AP
A girl arrives with her family to pray outside the Grand Mosque.
A girl arrives with her family to pray outside the Grand Mosque.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, center, as they pray inside and outside the Grand Mosque.
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, center, as they pray inside and outside the Grand Mosque.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Pilgrims circle the Kaaba. The Kaaba, a structure wrapped with a black curtain, is Islam's holiest building and measures 60 feet high by 60 feet in length.
Pilgrims circle the Kaaba. The Kaaba, a structure wrapped with a black curtain, is Islam's holiest building and measures 60 feet high by 60 feet in length.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Thousands of Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba. Inside the Kaaba, in the eastern corner of the building, is an artifact set in gold called the Black Stone. Muslims believe this stone was kissed by the Prophet Mohammed.
Thousands of Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba. Inside the Kaaba, in the eastern corner of the building, is an artifact set in gold called the Black Stone. Muslims believe this stone was kissed by the Prophet Mohammed.
Hassan Ammar, AP
Muslim pilgrims pray in Mecca.
Muslim pilgrims pray in Mecca.
Hassan Ammar, AP
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