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Hajj Begins in Saudi Arabia
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=107E18C:3919ACA Pilgrims gather in
Mina Valley on outskirts of holy city of Mecca





Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, center, inside the Grand
Mosque, Islam's holiest shrine, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan.
6, 2006

More than two million Muslims have gathered in Saudi Arabia's Mina
Valley on the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca for the annual
pilgrimage, or hajj.

The white robed pilgrims, from around the world, head to Mount Arafat
Monday for prayers.

On Tuesday, the pilgrims take part in the symbolic stoning of the
devil, throwing pebbles at three pillars. The ritual has been marred
by deadly stampedes in the past, including the deaths of more than 240
pilgrims two years ago.

Saudi officials reorganized access to the area this year in hope of
avoiding another tragedy. On Thursday, a hostel for pilgrims in Mecca
collapsed, killing 76 people.

The hajj is a requirement of all able-bodied Muslims at least once in
a lifetime.

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.

 


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