Nearly 1.5mn pilgrims have converged on western Saudi Arabia for the annual Haj.
While the main rites of the six-day event begin today, pilgrims have already been swirling around the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, a procession that continues day and night.
It is one of the first rites of the pilgrimage, which is among the largest religious gatherings in the world. The kingdom has begun issuing pilgrims with identification bracelets.
Each bracelet carries a bar code readable by smartphone. It holds data including the pilgrim’s identity, nationality, and place of lodging in Makkah, the vice secretary of the ministry of Haj and Umrah, Issa Rawas, told AFP.
The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam, which capable Muslims must perform at least once in their lifetime, marking the spiritual peak of their lives. Rich and poor alike come dressed in the same white garments. It is far more close to any Muslim's heart than any other worldly trip! and Saudis are doing a splendid job managing it.
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