Millions of Muslims start annual hajj near Mecca
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Wearing white robes to symbolize purity and equality under God, millions of Muslims have begun their annual hajj pilgrimage by climbing a rocky desert hill outside Mecca.
Nearly 2.5 million pilgrims started at dawn on Saturday to ascend the Mountain of Mercy at Arafat, 12 miles (19 kilometers) outside Mecca, where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is said to have delivered his farewell sermon. They believe that God will answer prayers and grant forgiveness. (AP)
