MECCA — Saudi Arabia on Sunday began hosting the annual hajj pilgrimage, with more than 2 million Muslim faithful expected to take part in the five-day ritual. One of the five pillars of Islam, it’s required of all able-bodied Muslims once in their life.

After spending the night in the Mina valley, the pilgrims on Monday will head to Mount Arafat, 12 miles east of Mecca, for the pinnacle of the pilgrimage. They will scale a hill called Jabal al-Rahma, or Mountain of Mercy, where Mohammed delivered his final sermon, calling for equality and for unity. He reminded his followers of women’s rights and that every Muslim life and property is sacred.

Around sunset, pilgrims will head to an area called Muzdalifa, west of Arafat. Many will walk, while others use buses. They will spend the night there and pick up pebbles along the way that will be used in a symbolic stoning of the devil back in Mina, where Muslims believe the devil tried to talk Ibrahim out of submitting to God’s will.

The last three days are marked by three events: a final circling of the Kaaba, casting stones in Mina, and removing the ihram. Men often shave their heads at the end in a sign of renewal.

The final days of hajj coincide with Eid al-Adha, or the festival of sacrifice, to commemorate Ibrahim’s test of faith. During the three-day Eid, Muslims slaughter livestock and distribute the meat to the poor.

Men attending the hajj dress in only terrycloth, seamless white garments meant to represent unity among Muslims and equality before God. Women wear loose clothing, cover their hair, and forgo makeup and nail polish to achieve a state of humility and spiritual purity.

Associated Press