Pilgrims flock to Mina as Hajj starts

 Millions of pilgrims have begun marching to Mina on the first leg of their journey of a lifetime, preparing for the climax of their pilgrimage when they ascend Mount `Arafat.

Spirituality and peace were in the air in the extensive tent city which is surrounded by the Mountain of Light and other hills, as more pilgrims poured in with every hour, each group echoing chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik”.

On Friday morning, the pilgrims will descend Mount `Arafat.

The pilgrims then will return to Mina after spending the night in Muzdalifah.

They will take part in the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamrat Al-Aqaba and sacrifice animals to mark the four-day `Eid Al-Adha.