Hajj 2016: When is the annual Mecca pilgrimage? Who goes? Is it safe? Everything you need to know

All the key information about the world's largest gathering of people

What is Hajj?

The Hajj is a five-day annual pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

It is the world’s biggest annual gathering of people.

When is it?

It's expected to take place from September 9-14.

Hajj begins on the eighth day of the Dhu al-Hijjah lunar month and finishes on the 13th day but the religious aspects can be completed in five days rather than six.

Who undertakes the journey?

All Muslims are expected to do Hajj at least once in their lifetime, providing they are well enough and can afford it.

Thousands of Britons join millions of other Muslims from around the world.

Why is it important?

It affirms Muslims’ place on earth by eliminating all symbols of wealth and status.

Hajj serves to remind Muslims that everybody is equal in the eyes of God – Allah.

It is the fifth pillar of Islam and recreates the journey taken by the Prophet Mohammed in AD632.

It aims to bring Muslims from all nationalities together, cleansing them of sin and bringing them closer to God.

Eid al-Adha, known as the Feast of the Sacrifice because it recalls Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, is held during Hajj.

Why has Hajj been in the news in recent years?

At least 760 pilgrims died at last year’s Hajj during a stampede, including more than 400 Iranians.

At least, that’s the official number recognised by Saudi Arabia.

The actual total could be as high as 2,180,

Saudi ambulances arrive with pilgrims who were injured in a stampede at an emergency hospital in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, on the first day of Eid al-Adha in 2015 (Getty)

Two million people gathered at the holy site of Mina - around three miles from Mecca - to throw stones at pillars representing the devil, but there was a rush of people in the overcrowded space which led to the tragedy.

More than 930 were also injured in the incident which was the deadliest in 25 years.

Similar incidents have happened before.

In May this year, Saudi Arabia and Iran failed for the second time to agree on arrangements for Iranian citizens to attend this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, with both sides insisting the other is to blame for the standstill.

The Saudi Arabian government says it has spent billions of dollars on improving infrastructure and transport to alleviate pressure from the sheer numbers of people.

How many people go?

Thousands of Britons are expected to join around two million Muslims from around at this year’s Hajj.

Muslim pilgrims gather to perform noon and afternoon prayers at Namira Mosque in Mount Arafat, south-east of the Saudi holy city of Mecca (Getty ) (Getty)

​What does Hajj mean?

It translates simply as ‘pilgrimage’.

What do people wear to Hajj?

Since the pilgrimage is about equality and modesty, pilgrims wear simple white robes known as Ihram.

Once they are put on, Muslims should not be distracted by wealth or social standing.

An aerial view shows the Grand mosque and Islam's holiest shrine, the Kaaba (AFP)

Can anyone go to Hajj?

No. Mecca is seen as so holy to Muslims that only Muslims can enter.

Is Hajj safe? What advice does the Foreign and Commonwealth Office offer?

Every year thousands of people are conned by Hajj fraudsters.

The City of London police said this year: “Some will arrive in Saudi Arabia to discover the accommodation they booked does not exist while others will find that their whole trip is in fact a scam set up by illegitimate travel operators that have disappeared with thousands of pounds of their money.”

• Firstly, make sure you travel with a reputable tour operator who is ATOL-protected.  If the travel company closes down whilst you are in Saudi Arabia your return air ticket should still be valid but you would probably be asked to repay for your accommodation.
• Make sure your travel company is a member of a recognised trade association such as ABTA . All ABTA members have to follow a code of conduct and this reduces the risk of fraud. 
• Get all your terms and conditions in writing, ensuring flight details, accommodation and Hajj visa are all valid. 
• Ensure travel insurance covers all aspects of the journey.
• Ensure the appropriate vaccinations have been taken.
• Research the local laws and customs. 

Consular staff can be contacted on a 24-hour helpline in the case of emergencies during the Hajj, on: +966 5010 04268

Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website to keep up to date on all travel advice to Saudi Arabia.