Tomorrow marks the start of Islam’s annual Hajj (which means pilgrimage), a trek to the Grand Mosque in Mecca made by millions each year. These breathtaking photos offer a glimpse of the masses already at, or en route to, the mosque.

The pilgrimage, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once by all able Muslims, ends in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Local authorities have reiterated that it is a strictly religious occasion and no troublemaking will be tolerated.

If anything happens it will be brought under control,” said Interior Minister Prince Ahmed.

They are also confident that there won’t be any politically charged disruptions.

I don’t think there will be any repercussion on the security of the pilgrimage as a result of what is unfortunately happening in Syria and elsewhere.

Saudi officials say there have already been 1,7 million overseas arrivals and an additional 200 000 from inside the country. Last year close to three million pilgrims made the journey.

Apart from the off possibility of violent disruptions, pilgrims also face the risk of stampeding and tent fires which have claimed hundreds of lives over the years. Billions of dollars have been invested over the last decade to specifically avoid such outcomes, yet in 2006, a deadly stampede claimed 360 lives.

[Source: Daily Mail]