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The pilgrimage of a lifetime

Over 1.5 million Muslims from around the world have flooded into the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for the annual Haj pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage takes place during the middle of the month of Dhul al-Hijja, and the date will be determined once Saudi religious authorities announce the start of the month with the sighting of the crescent moon.

The Haj is associated with the life of Islamic prophet Muhammad, who lived during the seventh Century, but Muslims believe the ritual of going to Mecca stretches back thousands of years to the time of Abraham.

Haj is also the 5th pillar of Islam -- a religious duty that must be carried out at least once during the lifetime of every able-bodied Muslim, and officially starts on November 15

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The pilgrimage of a lifetime

Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

A man walks in Mohammed Mosque during the annual Haj pilgrimage ahead of Eid al-Adha in the Saudi holy city of Madina

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

Pilgrims walk outside the Grand Mosque during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

A Muslim man sleeps in Mohammed Mosque during the annual Haj pilgrimage ahead of Eid al-Adha in the city of Madina

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

The Grand Mosque (R) and four-faced Mecca Clock Tower (L) are seen during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

A pilgrim prays atop Mount Al-Noor during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

Muslim pilgrims stand on Mount Al-Noor

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

A pilgrim scribbles a note on a rock on Mount Al-Noor during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

A pilgrim prays atop Mount Al-Noor during the annual haj pilgrimage

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

A pilgrim prays on Mount Al-Noor during the annual Haj pilgrimage

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

A pilgrim prays near the entrance of Hera cave on Mount Al-Noor during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

A pilgrim stands at the entrance of Hera cave on Mount Al-Noor during the annual haj pilgrimage

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

A vendor sells prayer beads during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca

The pilgrimage of a lifetime

A pilgrim prays atop Mount Al-Noor during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca