About 2 million Muslims from more that 70 countries journey to the holy city of Mecca each year to make the spiritual pilgrimage known as the Hajj. The pilgrimage is one of the five Pillars of Islam that form the framework of Islamic life. All Muslims who are physically and financially able are expected to perform the Hajj at least once. The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (month for Hajj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days.
HAJJ WEB LOG CNNI Anchor Zain Verjee is keeping a Web log of her experiences at this year's Hajj pilgrimage. Click here to read her updates.
Special Hajj coverage on CNN International. Click here for details.
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