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For over 1,400 years, Muslims have been performing the pilgrimage, or Hajj, to the sacred site of Mecca. In modern times, approximately two million Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca each year, a trip required of all Muslims at least once in lifetime if they are financially and physically able. During the Hajj, Muslims from all over the world come together for a few days to participate in common rituals, joined together by their shared faith in the most holy places of Islam, the city and surrounding areas of Mecca. As the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (p) and the site where he first received Qur'anic revelation, Mecca is a place of great spirituality and tradition. Since only Muslims may enter Mecca, it is a place that few Americans will get to see, which makes this piece especially interesting. Following writer/producer Michael Wolfe, the film documents his second trip or Hajj for ABC News' Nightline. One of the more than seven million Muslims in the United States, Wolfe is a convert to Islam, born to a Christian mother and a Jewish father. Speaking live from the Ka'ba, the Great Mosque in Mecca, in an interview with ABC News' Ted Koppel, Wolfe takes viewers step-by-step through both the physical and spiritual aspects of the pilgrimage, explaining the origins and meanings of the various rituals.

Description:

For over 1,400 years, Muslims have been performing the pilgrimage, or Hajj, to the sacred site of Mecca. In modern times, approximately two million Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca each year, a trip required of all Muslims at least once in lifetime if they are financially and physically able. During the Hajj, Muslims from all over the world come together for a few days to participate in common rituals, joined together by their shared faith in the most holy places of Islam, the city and surrounding areas of Mecca. As the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (p) and the site where he first received Qur'anic revelation, Mecca is a place of great spirituality and tradition. Since only Muslims may enter Mecca, it is a place that few Americans will get to see, which makes this piece especially interesting. Following writer/producer Michael Wolfe, the film documents his second trip or Hajj for ABC News' Nightline. One of the more than seven million Muslims in the United States, Wolfe is a convert to Islam, born to a Christian mother and a Jewish father. Speaking live from the Ka'ba, the Great Mosque in Mecca, in an interview with ABC News' Ted Koppel, Wolfe takes viewers step-by-step through both the physical and spiritual aspects of the pilgrimage, explaining the origins and meanings of the various rituals.

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At least 717 people have been killed and nearly 805 others injured in a crush during Hajj pilgrimage rituals outside Mecca. According to Saudi disaster officials, the incident occurred in Mina, near Mecca, at 9 am local time (0600 GMT) after two large masses of pilgrims coming down streets 204 and 223 fused together. The incident took place as people were heading to participate in the symbolic stoning of Satan. Over 220 ambulances and 4,000 rescue workers have reportedly been sent to the location. “Work is underway to separate large groups of people and direct pilgrims to alternative routes,” the Saudi Civil Defense said.

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Last Thursday marked the end of this year\'s Hajj pilgrimage. Nearly two million Muslims from around the world performed the last ritual of the annual event-- stoning the devil. The pilgrims are now leaving the holy city of Mecca, some heading to the city of Medina and others returning to their home countries.

Description:

From all corners of the world, Muslims gather annually to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca wearing simple white cloth, leaving behind the comforts of their homes for a brief period. By forgoing their lifestyles, their only focus is to pray to God as his humble servant and ask for his forgiveness and mercy. However, with the change of times the surroundings of the Grand Mosque have changed with the appearance of five-star luxury hotels and shopping malls. These malls offer the material items people crave to have at a time when Muslims are expected to forgo life's luxuries and pleasures. But in the modern 21st century, few can ignore the need for consumer items, regardless of the location. Sohail Rahman reports from Mecca.