Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Nearly two million Muslim pilgrims flock to city of tents

This holiday also represents the time when people travel to Mecca to find acceptance from God by doing one of the works they believe he requires of them.

"Nearly two million Muslim faithful from across the globe were preparing Tuesday to spend the night in a city of tents in a valley close to Mecca on the first leg of the annual hajj journey."

"After performing the ritual symbolizing the Last Judgement on Mount Arafat, the pilgrims will return to Mecca on Thursday, the first day of Eid al-Adha, or Feast of the Sacrifice.

Most will sacrifice an animal, generally a sheep, in remembrance of Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son to God.

On Friday and Saturday, they will return to Mina to stone the "jamarat", or three pillars symbolizing the devil -- the ultimate but also the most dangerous ritual."

"All Muslims are required to make the pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam, at least once in their lifetime if they have the means to do so."

Nearly two million Muslim pilgrims flock to city of tents

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