Skip linksSkip to Content
play
Live
Navigation menu
  • News
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • US & Canada
    • Latin America
    • Europe
    • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
  • Explained
  • Opinion
  • Sport
  • Video
    • Features
    • Economy
    • Human Rights
    • Climate Crisis
    • Investigations
    • Interactives
    • In Pictures
    • Science & Technology
    • Podcasts
    • Travel
play
Live

In Pictures

Gallery

Hajj, a sea of humanity

praying hajj photo gallery
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, a pilgrimage in and around Mecca to be performed at least once in a lifetime by every able Muslim [AFP]
Published On 6 Dec 20086 Dec 2008
facebooktwitterwhatsappcopylink
pigeons hajj photo gallery
Pilgrims commonly spend six days in and around Mecca, but the obligatory rituals can be completed in three days [AFP]
Advertisement
mosque hajj photo gallery
The annual pilgrimmage begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Muslim lunar year [AFP]
rows of people praying hajj photo gallery
Saudi Arabia has mobilised a force of 100,000 men to protect an estimated three million Muslim pilgrims flocking to Mecca amid fears of deadly stampedes [AFP]
one many praying hajj photo gallery
A person who has performed the Hajj is often referred to as 'hajji' as a term of respect [AFP]
view of kaaba hajj photo gallery
Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims perform the Tawaf ritual around the Kaaba at Mecca''s Grand Mosque on December 4, 2008 as Muslims from all over the world are flocking to Mecca to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The Kaaba (C), covered with a black drape, is Islam''s holiest site. It stands in the centre of the Grand Mosque and contains the holy Black Stone which is believed to be the only piece remaining from an altar built by Abraham. AFP PHOTO/KHALED DESOUKI
Jabal Al Rahma hajj photo gallery
Muslim pilgrims then gather at Jabal Al Rahma (Mountain of Forgiveness) located on the plain of Arafa outside Mecca, where they join in prayers seeking God's forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment [AFP]
Advertisement
ihram hajj photo gallery
Pilgrims wear simple garments called ihram, which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God [AP]
kaaba cloth hajj photo gallery
A 650kg black cloth, known as the Kiswa, covers the Kaaba at the centre of Mecca's Grand Mosque [AFP]
mecca hajj photo gallery
Many Muslims save for years in order to perform the pilgrimage and often have to travel thousands of miles [AFP]
man kneeling hajj photo gallery
The close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere [AFP]


  • About

    • About Us
    • Code of Ethics
    • Terms and Conditions
    • EU/EEA Regulatory Notice
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Cookie Preferences
    • Sitemap
    • Work for us
  • Connect

    • Contact Us
    • User Accounts Help
    • Advertise with us
    • Stay Connected
    • Newsletters
    • Channel Finder
    • TV Schedule
    • Podcasts
    • Submit a Tip
  • Our Channels

    • Al Jazeera Arabic
    • Al Jazeera English
    • Al Jazeera Investigative Unit
    • Al Jazeera Mubasher
    • Al Jazeera Documentary
    • Al Jazeera Balkans
    • AJ+
  • Our Network

    • Al Jazeera Centre for Studies
    • Al Jazeera Media Institute
    • Learn Arabic
    • Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights
    • Al Jazeera Forum
    • Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

Follow Al Jazeera English:

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • instagram-colored-outline
  • rss
Al Jazeera Media Network logo
© 2025 Al Jazeera Media Network