Pilgrimage Begins

Five pillars of Islam are Testimony of faith (Shahaadah or Kalima), Prayer (Salat), Almsgiving (Zakat), Fasting (Sawm) and Pilgrimage (Hajj). Pilgrimage is the fifth pillar of Muslim and one of the must-obey rules of Muslims, every Muslim bearing capacity in financial and material capabilities as well as physical strength should go hijj at least once to Mekka. The pilgrimage is the biggest activity falls on every year at the 12th month of Islamic calendar, millions of Muslims would get togather around Mekka, praying, dining and learning. In November 3, over 2,500,000 Muslims rush to Mekka, symbolizing the beginning of Pilgrimage in 2011, which may last for 5 days.

The photo above says ten thousands of Muslims pray on the roof of the Grand Mosque.

 It is calculated that all around the world, there are about 1.2 billion Muslims, dotted within 204 countries and regions, taking some 19.6% of the whole world population, and there are in total 45 Muslim countries, half of which venerate the Muslim as state religion.

Reading Koran

I myself is an atheist, to tell the truth, I cannot fully understand them, esp, when they  immersed in their belief, while I totally respect them. On the other hand, I always wonder what makes them so devoted and pious, their dedicated expression in talking about their Almighty Allah is indeed touching, anyway, wish them and those bearing religious belief peaceful and happy.