Millions of people converge on Mecca, Saudi Arabia for Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage, one of the world's largest gatherings, and a sacred rite for all Muslims.
Pilgrims throng the Kaaba after Hajj
Worshippers circumambulate the Kaaba shortly after dawn.
Muslims head off to shops and homes after prayers.
Thousands of pilgrims crowd Mount Arafat and the surrounding area
Atop Mt Arafat
Sitting on Mt Arafat
Praying at Arafat
Known as the mountain of mercy, worshippers have to stand in prayer at Mt. Arafat as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage rituals in Saudi Arabia
Praying atop Mt Arafat
Standing on Mt Arafat
Praying at Arafat
Praying at Arafat
A beggar in Arafat
In transit during Hajj
The Jamarat bridge from the air
Stoning the devil in Mina
Stoning the Jamarat at sunset
Stoning the Jamarat in Mina
Stoning the devil
The Jamarat bridge
Camped out at Mina
Commanding Saudi's Public Security sector
Hajj Public Security control room
Mina's sprawling tent city
Stoning the Jamarat in Mina
Qur'an seller.
Incense in Saudi
Pre-prayer shopping
A cloth trade
Street waste in Makkah
Gathered for prayer
Textile Merchant. Mecca has for centuries been a hub of trade & commerce. Today, worshippers continue the tradition, looking for clothes, rugs and other goods to take home to family and friends.
Constant rush at Makkah's KFC