Photo Gallery: Hajj 2003

Monday, 10 February, 2003, 15:05 GMT

In pictures: Hajj climax

Two million Muslims have gathered on the sacred Plain of Arafat in the land of the Holy Places for the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, praying for forgiveness and for war to be averted in Iraq.

Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat, where the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) delivered his last sermon 14 centuries ago.

The Hajj is a must for every Muslim at least once in a lifetime, and it cleanses and purifies the soul.

Muslims come from all over the world to attend the Hajj. For many, this is the most significant experience of their lives.

The pilgrims spend the day praying and reading Qur'an amid scorching temperatures.

There is high security because of Saudi fears of anti-American protests, but this has not stopped the pilgrims from performing their duties.

At the end of the Hajj, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid ul Adha or festival of the sacrifice. These Muslim women are leaving a Masjid in Baghdad, Iraq.

Reprinted from the BBC Online