Hajj 2015 in pictures

Despite the recent tragedy in Makkah which took over 100 lives, about 2.5 million Muslims from around the world gathered in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj.

The hajj is among the five pillars of Islam and every capable Muslim must perform it at least once in a lifetime.

Read: Pilgrims throng Arafat for peak of Hajj

Here are some pictures of the pilgrimage:



Pilgrims pray at one of the Hajj rituals on Mount Arafat. PHOTO: AFP



Muslims join one of the Hajj rituals on Mount Arafat. PHOTO: AFP



The Kiswa which covers the Kaabah during Hajj has Quranic verses embroidered in threads of pure gold. PHOTO: REUTERS



Pilgrims pray at one of the Hajj rituals on Mount Arafat. PHOTO: AFP



A pilgrim touches a rock atop Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat. PHOTO: REUTERS 



Pilgrim makes his way to cave of Hira, where Muslims believe Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) received the first words of the Quran, at the top of Mount al Noor. PHOTO: REUTERS



The young and old climb up on Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat. PHOTO: REUTERS



A pilgrim carries his child on his back as they travel to Mount Arafat. PHOTO: AFP

Read: Biscuits for some, buffets for others at Hajj



A pilgrim prays at Mount Arafat where the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is believed to have given his final sermon. 



Believers join one of the Hajj rituals on Mount Arafat. PHOTO: AFP



Pilgrims perform tawaaf around the Holy Kaabah. PHOTO: REUTERS



Believers rest after arriving at Mount Arafat where the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is believed to have given his final sermon. PHOTO: AFP




Believers weep as they touch the Holy Kaabah in Makkah. PHOTO: AFP



 

Pilgrims touch a rock atop Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat. PHOTO: REUTERS

Pilgrims perform tawaaf around the Holy Kaabah. PHOTO: REUTERS



Pilgrims prays on Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat where the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is believed to have given his final sermon. PHOTO: REUTERS