Annual Hajj pilgrimage is one of the Islamic religious duties and is considered to be one of the largest religious events around the globe. Muslim pilgrims from all around the world come to Mecca to undergo described religious rituals that last for several days - mainly but not only - circulating around the Kaaba. The pilgrimage is completed on three days lasting Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice). Pilgrims usually also visit Medina City to visit the Mosque of the Prophet and other Islam related sights. Khazaal Ghazi, a correspondent for RFE/RL’s Radio Free Iraq captured early scenes of pilgrims getting ready for the main rituals of the hajj.
Pilgrims Ahead Of Hajj
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Muslim pilgrims around Kaaba in the Sacred Mosque in Mecca City
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Mount Uhud near Medina City
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Mount Uhud near Medina City
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Mount Uhud near Medina City
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The exterior of the Mosque of Two Qiblas in Medina City
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The interior of the Mosque of Two Qiblas in Medina City
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The exterior of the Mosque of Two Qiblas in Medina City
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The Mosque of Salman al-Farsi in Medina City. This mosque is sid to be amongst the seven oldest mosques in the world
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Al-Baqi cemetery in Medina City
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The grave of Umm al-Banin in Al-Baqi cemetery in Medina City, Umm al-Banin was wife of Imam Ali
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The courtyard of the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina City
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The courtyard of the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina City
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Saudi Arabia - Hajj Pilgrimage, rituals, 14Oct2012.
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The gate to the grave of the prophet Muhammad in Medina City
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Muslim pilgrims inside the Sacred Mosque in Mecca City
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Muslim pilgrims around Kaaba in the Sacred Mosque in Mecca City