Muslim arrive in Mecca Saudi Arabia by the thousands to mark the annual hajj pilgrimage ahead of Eid al-Adha.
As one of Islam's five pillars, the haj is enjoined on all Muslims who are physically able to carry it out at least once in their lifetime.
The pilgrimage is a time for Muslims from various sects to gather at the same place and pray together.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) TURKISH PILGRIM, DR. ABBAS KERMALI, SAYING:
"When we say prayers, any part of the world, when we do our sajdah we do sajdah towards the holly Kaaba. It does not make a difference if he is a Sunni, he is a Shiite or whatever. We have to be brothers. We're all one. We are all under one umbrella."
The Grand Mosque is the main attraction for the three million pilgrims expected during the haj.
The pilgrimage is expected to run from October 24 to 29.
