It is the first day of the Haj. The rugged mountains of Mecca transform to sheets of white as millions of pilgrims descend on the city to undertake a fundamental pillar of their faith.
The Haj is one of Islam's five pillars and is ordered by God to be undertook if the believer is healthy and has the financial means. However, the sacred work begins before setting foot on the spiritual path. To prepare for this important meeting with their Lord, all pilgrims prepare to get into Ihram, a state both physical and mental. When it comes to the former, males wear two sheets of white cloth around the waist and torso. For females, it can be ordinary loose-fitting clothes with only their face and hands exposed. It is recommended both males and females wear flip flops. Pilgrims refrain from wearing scents on their body or clothes. In a state of Ihram, pilgrims refrain from behaving in an ill manner and must act modestly at all times. Pilgrims travel – some by car, bus and even by walking – to the village of Mina in Mecca's east, where they will spend the day and night in large tents in a state of spiritual contemplation and preparing for the gruelling days ahead.
* Saeed Saeed
More pictures from Haj
• Dhu Al Hijja 12 – Final Day of Haj, 2012
• Dhu Al Hijja 11 – Fourth Day of Haj, 2012
