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SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

A Muslim pilgrim takes snapshots as others perform the ritual "stoning of the devil" on near the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabiaon the fourth day of hajj, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. Thousands of Muslim pilgrims threw pebbles at stone pillar representing the devil Wednesday,, carrying out a cleansing ritual at a site just outside the holy city of Mecca that has been the scene of disasters in previous years.(AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims arrive for the hajj on the plain of Arafat, near Mecca, Friday 29 December 2006. During wuquf, one of the requirements of the hajj, pilgrims will spend the day in the plain, where they have to be present at sunset, at the place where Prophet Mohammad gave his farewell sermon 14 centuries ago, before moving back to Mena for the pillar-stoning rites on Tuesday. EPA/Mohamed Messara

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Pilgrims pray as they arrive for wuquf at Jabal al-Rahman, the Mount of Mercy, at the center of the plain of Arafat, near Mecca, Friday 29 December 2006. During wuquf, one of the requirements of the hajj, pilgrims will spend the day in the plain, where they have to be present at sunset, at the place where Prophet Mohammad gave his farewell sermon 14 centuries ago, before moving back to Mena for the pillar-stoning rites on Tuesday. EPA/MOHAMED MESSARA

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Some of the hundreds of thousands of Muslims walk and ride on top of cars to Mount Arafat, near Jabal Al Rahma holy mountain, the Mountain of Forgiveness, outside Mecca, during the first day of the Muslim annual pilgrimage Friday, Dec. 29, 2006. Saudi authorities estimate nearly 3 million pilgrims are attending this year's hajj. More than 1.6 million come from abroad. The rest are Saudis or foreigners resident in the kingdom.(AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims gather praying at and around Jabal Al Rahma holy mountain, the mountain of forgiveness, in Arafat outside Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Dec. 29, 2006. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims pray on the rocky hill, mountain of forgiveness, near the holy city of Mecca Friday, Dec. 29, 2006. Nearly 3 million Muslims from around the world massed in tent cities on the outskirts of Mecca on Thursday for the start of the annual hajj. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Pilgrims pray as they arrive for wuquf at Jabal al-Rahman, the Mount of Mercy, at the center of the plain of Arafat, near Mecca, Friday 29 December 2006. During wuquf, one of the requirements of the hajj, pilgrims will spend the day in the plain, where they have to be present at sunset, at the place where Prophet Mohammad gave his farewell sermon 14 centuries ago, before moving back to Mena for the pillar-stoning rites on Tuesday. EPA/MOHAMED MESSARA

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Pilgrims pray as they arrive for wuquf at Jabal al-Rahman, the Mount of Mercy, at the center of the plain of Arafat, near Mecca, Friday 29 December 2006. During wuquf, one of the requirements of the hajj, pilgrims will spend the day in the plain, where they have to be present at sunset, at the place where Prophet Mohammad gave his farewell sermon 14 centuries ago, before moving back to Mena for the pillar-stoning rites on Tuesday. EPA/MOHAMED MESSARA

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims pray on a rocky hill named, mountain of forgiveness, near the holy city of Mecca Friday, Dec. 29, 2006. Nearly 3 million Muslims from around the world massed in tent cities on the outskirts of Mecca on Thursday for the start of the annual hajj. For many, it is a once in a lifetime chance to cleanse their sins in one of the most important rites of Islam. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Tens of thousands of Muslim pilgrims attend night prayers around the Kaaba, the black cube seen at right, inside the Grand Mosque, in Mecca, Wednesday Dec. 27, 2006. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj says it expects more than 1.6 million pilgrims to visit the holy shrines to perform rituals of pilgrimage. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims pray at the top of Noor Mountain, near where the Hiraa cave is located on the outskirts of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. The annual Islamic pilgrimage draws three million visitors each year, making it the largest yearly gathering of people in the world. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Tens of thousands of Muslim pilgrims moving around the Kaaba, the black cube, inside the Grand Mosque, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The annual Islamic pilgrimage draws 2.5 million visitors each year, making it the largest yearly gathering of people in the world. The Hajj will start on 5 November. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ HOTEL EINSTURZ

Saudi emergency personnel attend the scene of a hotel collapse in Mecca Saudi Arabia in this image taken from TV, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. The five-story hotel at a gate to the Grand Mosque in Islam's holiest city collapsed into a pile of rubble Thursday as millions of Muslims converged on the city for the annual hajj pilgrimage, security officials said. A pan-Arab television station said at least 23 people were dead and 60 were injured. (AP Photo/Associated Press Television) ** TV OUT **

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Visit of Jumeirah mosque in Dubai. An Opportunity to Learn about Islam in the United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Visit of Jumeirah mosque in Dubai. An Opportunity to Learn about Islam in the United Arab Emirates (KEYSTONE/PHOTONONSTOP/Pascal Deloche)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01206100 A general view of Muslim pilgrims casting pebbles at the column symbolizing the devil in Mena, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 20 December 2007. Some two million Muslim faithful set off from Mecca in Saudi Arabia to the valley of Mena as the annual Hajj pilgrimage got under way amid strict security arrangements. The Hajj follows significant events in the life of the Prophets Mohamed and Ibrahim. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01206094 A general view of Muslim pilgrims casting pebbles at the column symbolizing the devil in Mena near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 20 December 2007. Some two million Muslim faithful set off from Mecca in Saudi Arabia to the valley of Mina as the annual hajj pilgrimage got under way amid strict security arrangements. The Hajj follows significant events in the life of the Prophets Mohamed and Ibrahim. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01206092 Two Muslim Hajj pilgrims read the Quran after casting pebbles at the column symbolizing the devil in Mena near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 20 December 2007. Some two million Muslim faithful set off from Mecca in Saudi Arabia to the valley of Mena as the annual Hajj pilgrimage got under way amid strict security arrangements. The Hajj follows significant events in the life of the Prophets Mohamed and Ibrahim. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01206044 Saudi police officers brief the media on the security surveillance control centre in Mena near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 20 December 2007. The screens display the convoy of Iranian President Ahmadinejad arriving in Mena. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

A Muslim pilgrim carries a child after performing the ritual Jamaraat, which involves pilgrims throwing stones at three pillars and symbolically represents the locations where the devil attempted to tempt Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) away from the path of Allah,Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007, Mina, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims walk as they cover their faces from the sun, after they performed the ritual Jamaraat, which involves pilgrims throwing stones at three pillars and symbolically represents the locations where the devil attempted to tempt Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) away from the path of Allah, Mina, in Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims walk after they performed the ritual Jamaraat, which involves pilgrims throwing stones at three pillars and symbolically represents the locations where the devil attempted to tempt Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) away from the path of Allah, Mina, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

In this photo released by the Iranian Presidency Office Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, center, throws pebbles at a stone pillar representing the devil during his Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday Dec. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Iranian Presidency Office, HO)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

In this photo released by the Iranian Presidency Office Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, center, throws pebbles at a stone pillar representing the devil during his Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday Dec. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Iranian Presidency Office, HO)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims eat their dinner at a fast food restaurant in Mecca, late Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. Millions of Muslims marked the zenith of the annual hajj, praying for God's forgiveness on a rocky desert hill here where in Muslim tradition Adam and Eve were reunited after leaving Eden. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims walk down a street in Mina near in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. Millions of Muslims marked the zenith of the annual hajj, praying for God's forgiveness on a rocky desert hill here where in Muslim tradition Adam and Eve were reunited after leaving Eden. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

A Muslim female pilgrim, with her decorated veil, walks down a street in Mina near in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. Millions of Muslims marked the zenith of the annual hajj, praying for God's forgiveness on a rocky desert hill here where in Muslim tradition Adam and Eve were reunited after leaving Eden. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, unsseen, inside the Grand mosque in Mecca, late Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. Millions of Muslims marked the zenith of the annual hajj, praying for God's forgiveness on a rocky desert hill here where in Muslim tradition Adam and Eve were reunited after leaving Eden. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba inside the Grand mosque in Mecca, late Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. Millions of Muslims marked the zenith of the annual hajj, praying for God's forgiveness on a rocky desert hill here where in Muslim tradition Adam and Eve were reunited after leaving Eden. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

A minaret of Grand mosque is seen in foreground as Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, unseen, in Mecca, late Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. Millions of Muslims marked the zenith of the annual hajj, praying for God's forgiveness on a rocky desert hill here where in Muslim tradition Adam and Eve were reunited after leaving Eden. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba inside the Grand mosque in Mecca, late Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. Millions of Muslims marked the zenith of the annual hajj, praying for God's forgiveness on a rocky desert hill here where in Muslim tradition Adam and Eve were reunited after leaving Eden. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01205287 Thousands of Hajj pilgrims walk on the main street of Mena, Saudi Arabia, 19 December 2007. Hajj Pilgrims are heading toward the Jamratt bridge to stone the devil, in Mena near Mecca Saudi Arabia. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Saudi Muslim Pilgrim Abdul Aziz Ibrahim Teihani, smiles after he cut his hair in celebration of the start of Eid al-Adha in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, on the fourth day of hajj, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. After today's ritual stoning of the devil, pilgrims then celebrate the start of Eid al-Adha, or Feast of the Sacrifice, by slaughtering a camel, a cow or a sheep.(AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim Pilgrim perform the ritual "stoning of the devil" near the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia on the fourth day of hajj, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. Thousands of Muslim pilgrims threw pebbles at stone pillar representing the devil Wednesday, carrying out a cleansing ritual at a site just outside the holy city of Mecca that has been the scene of disasters in previous years.(AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01204799 Pilgrims headind toward the Jamratt bridge to stone the devil during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mena, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 19 December 2007. The Hajj follows significant events in the life of the Prophets Mohamed and Ibrahim. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01204742 Aerial view of hundreds of thousands of Pilgrims praying on Gebel Rahmah (Mount of Mercy), where the Prophet Mohamed gave his last sermon, 18 December 2007. On the plains of Arafat (below), pilgrims congregate in the most important ritual of the annual pilgrimage of Moslems to Mecca. The Hajj follows significant events in the life of the Prophets Mohamed and Ibrahim. The Mount of Mercy is where the Prophet Mohamed gave a sermon summarizing the message of Islam which came near the end of his mission to deliver the words of God. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01204741 Aerial view of hundreds of thousands of Pilgrims praying on Gebel Rahmah (Mount of Mercy), where the Prophet Mohamed gave his last sermon, 18 December 2007. On the plains of Arafat (below), pilgrims congregate in the most important ritual of the annual pilgrimage of Moslems to Mecca. The Hajj follows significant events in the life of the Prophets Mohamed and Ibrahim. The Mount of Mercy is where the Prophet Mohamed gave a sermon summarizing the message of Islam which came near the end of his mission to deliver the words of God. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

This image made from a helicopter shows Muslim pilgrims arriving on the Plain of Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007. More than two million pilgrims gather at the site of Prophet Muhammad's last sermon 14 centuries ago in a ritual that marks the climax of the annual Muslim pilgrimage where most of them spend the night. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrim arrive on the Plain of Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007. More than two million pilgrims gather at the site of Prophet Muhammad's last sermon 14 centuries ago in a ritual that marks the climax of the annual Muslim pilgrimage where most of them spend the night. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrim arrive on the Plain of Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007. More than two million pilgrims gather at the site of Prophet Muhammad's last sermon 14 centuries ago in a ritual that marks the climax of the annual Muslim pilgrimage where most of them spend the night. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

This image made from a helicopter shows Muslim pilgrims arriving on the Plain of Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007. More than two million pilgrims gather at the site of Prophet Muhammad's last sermon 14 centuries ago in a ritual that marks the climax of the annual Muslim pilgrimage where most of them spend the night. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims arrive on the Plain of Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007. More than two million pilgrims gather at the site of Prophet Muhammad's last sermon 14 centuries ago in a ritual that marks the climax of the annual Muslim pilgrimage where most of them spend the night. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, center right, makes his way around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, during the Hajj pilgrimage in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Dec. 17, 2007. King Abdullah has invited 1,000 guests to this year's hajj, including Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. (AP Photo/Iranian Presidency/ho)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Surrounded by Iranian officials and security guards, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, center, makes his way, as he attends the hajj pilgrimage in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Dec. 17, 2007. King Abdullah has invited 1,000 guests to this year's hajj, including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. (AP Photo/Iranian Presidency/ho)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, third from left, circles the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, during the hajj pilgrimage in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Dec. 17, 2007. Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has invited Ahmadinejad to the hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Iran's state-run news agency, IRNA, reported Wednesday. (AP Photo/Iranian Presidency,HO)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01204095 A Saudi man leads his camels near Jabal ar-Rahman (Mount of Mercy), where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon, Saudi Arabia 18 December 2007. About two million Muslim pilgrims have arrived to Arabia Saudi. The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (month for Hajj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01204082 Pilgrims ascend Jabal ar-Rahman (Mount of Mercy), where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon, Saudi Arabia 18 December 2007. On the Plain of Arafat, below, pilgrims congregate in the most important ritual of the annual pilgrimage of Moslems to Mecca. The Hajj follows significant events in the life of the Prophets Muhammad and Ibrahim. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01204072 Pilgrims pray and read the Quran on Jabal ar-Rahman (Mount of Mercy), where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon, Saudi Arabia 18 December 2007. On the Plain of Arafat, below, pilgrims congregate in the most important ritual of the annual pilgrimage of Moslems to Mecca. The Hajj follows significant events in the life of the Prophets Muhammad and Ibrahim. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01204069 Pilgrims pray and read the Quran on Jabal ar-Rahman (Mount of Mercy), where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon, Saudi Arabia 18 December 2007. On the Plain of Arafat, below, pilgrims congregate in the most important ritual of the annual pilgrimage of Moslems to Mecca. The Hajj follows significant events in the life of the Prophets Muhammad and Ibrahim. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims from Indonesia eat their dinner on the Plain of Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Dec. 17, 2007. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslim pilgrims during the celebration of Hajj after the night prayers at the Namera mosque on the Plain of Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Dec. 17, 2007. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslims pilgrims relax in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007 prior to the hajj. Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry has taken security precautions for this year's hajj pilgrimage and will not allow problems in other countries to be played out in Islam's most holy city. This year's hajj, which officially begins Sunday, takes place amid increasing worries across the Islamic world _ over the bloodshed in Iraq and Afghanistan and recent terror attacks by al-Qaida-linked groups including last week's twin suicide bombings in Algeria that killed at least 37 people. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

A Muslim woman pilgrim reads the holy Quran in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007. Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry has taken security precautions for this year's hajj pilgrimage and will not allow problems in other countries to be played out in Islam's most holy city. This year's hajj, which officially begins Sunday, takes place amid increasing worries across the Islamic world _ over the bloodshed in Iraq and Afghanistan and recent terror attacks by al-Qaida-linked groups including last week's twin suicide bombings in Algeria that killed at least 37 people. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslims perform prayers around the holy Kaaba at the Grand mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007. Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry has taken security precautions for this year's hajj pilgrimage and will not allow problems in other countries to be played out in Islam's most holy city. This year's hajj, which officially begins Sunday, takes place amid increasing worries across the Islamic world _ over the bloodshed in Iraq and Afghanistan and recent terror attacks by al-Qaida-linked groups including last week's twin suicide bombings in Algeria that killed at least 37 people. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslims circle around the holy Kaaba at the Grand mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007. Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry has taken security precautions for this year's hajj pilgrimage and will not allow problems in other countries to be played out in Islam's most holy city. This year's hajj, which officially begins Sunday, takes place amid increasing worries across the Islamic world _ over the bloodshed in Iraq and Afghanistan and recent terror attacks by al-Qaida-linked groups including last week's twin suicide bombings in Algeria that killed at least 37 people. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslims walk in the streets as they leave the Grand mosque after attending in noon prayer in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007. Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry has taken security precautions for this year's hajj pilgrimage and will not allow problems in other countries to be played out in Islam's most holy city. This year's hajj, which officially begins Sunday, takes place amid increasing worries across the Islamic world _ over the bloodshed in Iraq and Afghanistan and recent terror attacks by al-Qaida-linked groups including last week's twin suicide bombings in Algeria that killed at least 37 people. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

Muslims circle around the holy Kaaba at the Grand mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007. Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry has taken security precautions for this year's hajj pilgrimage and will not allow problems in other countries to be played out in Islam's most holy city. This year's hajj, which officially begins Sunday, takes place amid increasing worries across the Islamic world _ over the bloodshed in Iraq and Afghanistan and recent terror attacks by al-Qaida-linked groups including last week's twin suicide bombings in Algeria that killed at least 37 people. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01199002 Muslim pilgrims surround the Ka’aba during the sunset pray at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 12 December 2007. About one million three hundred Muslim pilgrims gathered for their hajj pilgrimage till now. The Hajj is one of a Muslim's duties, as described in the five pillars of Islam, to go on a hajj at least once during his or her lifetime, if affordable. Prophet Muhammad had said that a person who performs hajj properly will return as a newly born baby, free of all sins. The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (month for Hajj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01199000 Muslim pilgrims surround the Ka’aba during the sunset pray at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 12 December 2007. About one million three hundred Muslim pilgrims gathered for their hajj pilgrimage till now. The Hajj is one of a Muslim's duties, as described in the five pillars of Islam, to go on a hajj at least once during his or her lifetime, if affordable. Prophet Muhammad had said that a person who performs hajj properly will return as a newly born baby, free of all sins. The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (month for Hajj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01198996 Muslim pilgrims surround the Ka’aba (C) during the sunset pray at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 12 December 2007. About one million three hundred Muslim pilgrims gathered for their hajj pilgrimage till now. The Hajj is one of a Muslim's duties, as described in the five pillars of Islam, to go on a hajj at least once during his or her lifetime, if affordable. Prophet Muhammad had said that a person who performs hajj properly will return as a newly born baby, free of all sins. The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (month for Hajj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01198989 Muslim pilgrims surround the Ka’aba during the sunset pray at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 12 December 2007. About one million three hundred Muslim pilgrims gathered for their hajj pilgrimage till now. The Hajj is one of a Muslim's duties, as described in the five pillars of Islam, to go on a hajj at least once during his or her lifetime, if affordable. Prophet Muhammad had said that a person who performs hajj properly will return as a newly born baby, free of all sins. The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (month for Hajj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01198988 Muslim pilgrims surround the Ka’aba during the sunset pray at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 12 December 2007. About one million three hundred Muslim pilgrims gathered for their hajj pilgrimage till now. The Hajj is one of a Muslim's duties, as described in the five pillars of Islam, to go on a hajj at least once during his or her lifetime, if affordable. Prophet Muhammad had said that a person who performs hajj properly will return as a newly born baby, free of all sins. The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (month for Hajj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01198204 Moon crescent (top right) appears in the background of the minaret of Prophet Mohammed Mosque in the holy city of Medina in Saudi Arabia, 11 December 2007. in Saudi Arabia 11 December 2007. Every year millions of Muslims all over the world visiting the Al haram Mosque, where the tombs of the Prophet Muhammad lay, before they go to Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is one of five Pillars of Islam that form the framework of Islamic life. The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (month for Hajj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01198148 A general view of the Al Haram Mosque as Muslim pilgrims pray at the holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia, 11 December 2007. Every year millions of Muslims all over the world visiting the Al haram Mosque, where the tombs of the Prophet Muhammad lay, before they go to Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is one of five Pillars of Islam that form the framework of Islamic life. The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (month for Hajj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER

SAUDI ARABIEN ISLAM HAJJ

epa01198117 A general view of the Al Haram Mosque as Muslim pilgrims pray at the holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia, 11 December 2007. Every year millions of Muslims all over the world visiting the Al haram Mosque, where the tombs of the Prophet Muhammad lay, before they go to Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is one of five Pillars of Islam that form the framework of Islamic life. The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (month for Hajj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days. EPA/NABIL MOUNZER