Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba and pray at the Grand mosque during the annual haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, October 22, 2012.
Muslims Gather in Mecca for Hajj
Muslim pilgrims are gathering in the Saudi city of Mecca for Islam's annual pilgrimage, which begins Wednesday.
Able Muslims are required to perform the arduous and expensive pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, at least once in their lifetime.
Saudi authorities are warning they will stop any disruptive protests over the conflict in Syria.
Saudi Arabia has backed rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Iran remains an ally of Syria at a time when relations between Riyadh and Tehran are tense.
Authorities say they are prepared for possible violence during the pilgrimage, which has happened in the past. The most notable case came in 1979, when attackers seized the Grand Mosque. Hundreds of people were killed during a two-week siege.
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Muslims Take Part in the Hajj
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
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