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Muslims begin the Hajj pilgrimage Muslims begin the Hajj pilgrimage
(40 minutes later)
An estimated three million Muslims have begun leaving the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca to begin the annual Hajj pilgrimage amid enhanced security. An estimated three million Muslims are beginning the Hajj pilgrimage rituals in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca, amid enhanced security.
The authorities say they have implemented new safety measures to prevent stampedes that have killed hundreds of people previously.The authorities say they have implemented new safety measures to prevent stampedes that have killed hundreds of people previously.
In January, almost 400 people were killed and some 300 injured in a stampede during one of the rituals.In January, almost 400 people were killed and some 300 injured in a stampede during one of the rituals.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is due to end on Monday.The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is due to end on Monday.
It is an obligation for all Muslims to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime, if they are physically and financially able.It is an obligation for all Muslims to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime, if they are physically and financially able.
Emotional dayEmotional day
The massive convoy is making its way to the nearby tented city of Mina, the pilgrims' home over the next few days. A massive convoy of pilgrims, that will continue well into the evening, is making its way to the nearby tented city of Mina, the pilgrims' home over the next few days.
HAJJ DISASTERS 2006: 345 die in a crush during a stone-throwing ritual2004: 251 trampled to death in stampede2003: 14 are crushed to death 2001: 35 die in stampede1998: At least 118 trampled to death1997: 343 pilgrims die and 1,500 injured in fire1994: 270 killed in stampede1990: 1,426 pilgrims killed in tunnel leading to holy sites1987: 400 die as Saudi authorities confront pro-Iranian demonstration What is the Hajj? Deadly history of the HajjHAJJ DISASTERS 2006: 345 die in a crush during a stone-throwing ritual2004: 251 trampled to death in stampede2003: 14 are crushed to death 2001: 35 die in stampede1998: At least 118 trampled to death1997: 343 pilgrims die and 1,500 injured in fire1994: 270 killed in stampede1990: 1,426 pilgrims killed in tunnel leading to holy sites1987: 400 die as Saudi authorities confront pro-Iranian demonstration What is the Hajj? Deadly history of the Hajj
The pilgrims are following the route of the first Hajj performed by the Prophet Mohammed. They are following the route of the first Hajj performed by the Prophet Muhammad some 1400 years ago.
The BBC's Aleem Maqbool is among the worshippers and says the day has been emotional, with many beginning the pilgrimage in tears. The BBC's Aleem Maqbool says the day has been emotional, with many beginning the pilgrimage in tears.
Before the pilgrims leave Mecca, and when they complete the Hajj, they must walk seven times round the Kaaba (a cube-like building in the centre of the city's Great Mosque) in an anti-clockwise direction.
The Saudi authorities are imposing a strict quota system to try to keep the number of foreign visitors to a manageable level.The Saudi authorities are imposing a strict quota system to try to keep the number of foreign visitors to a manageable level.
When the pilgrims return to Mecca, they must perform a precise series of steps - including walking seven times round the Kaaba (a cube-like building in the centre of the mosque) in an anti-clockwise direction.
At the last Hajj, earlier this year, at least 345 pilgrims died in a crush during the stone-throwing ritual of the pilgrimage.At the last Hajj, earlier this year, at least 345 pilgrims died in a crush during the stone-throwing ritual of the pilgrimage.
The stampede took place at the foot of the bridge of Jamarat, in Mina, where pilgrims hurl stones at three pillars representing the spot where the devil is said to have appeared to Abraham, and which creates a dangerous bottleneck.The stampede took place at the foot of the bridge of Jamarat, in Mina, where pilgrims hurl stones at three pillars representing the spot where the devil is said to have appeared to Abraham, and which creates a dangerous bottleneck.
Since then a major rebuilding project has been undertaken and 50,000 security personnel have been mobilised.Since then a major rebuilding project has been undertaken and 50,000 security personnel have been mobilised.
The ritual has seen many lethal stampedes, but the number of dead in January was the highest in 16 years.The ritual has seen many lethal stampedes, but the number of dead in January was the highest in 16 years.
Are you on your way to Mina? Tell us your stories - and send your photos to yourpics@bbc.co.ukAre you on your way to Mina? Tell us your stories - and send your photos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk
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