Muslim arrive in Mecca Saudi Arabia by the thousands to mark the annual hajj pilgrimage ahead of Eid al-Adha.<br/> <br />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.<br/> <br />The pilgrimage is a time for Muslims from various sects to gather at the same place and pray together.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) TURKISH PILGRIM, DR. ABBAS KERMALI, SAYING:<br/> <br />"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."<br/> <br />The Grand Mosque is the main attraction for the three million pilgrims expected during the haj.<br/> <br />The pilgrimage is expected to run from October 24 to 29.
