More than 2 million Pilgrams begin Haj

Well it is the start of the Hajj, The mass pilgrimage of Muslims heading to Mecca.
Following the Supposed footsteps of the one and only pedophile Prophet, Mohammed.
This is the greatest Goal (next to Martyrdom) of many Muslim's in the Religion of peace known as Islam.

How many will be killed this year in their journey to Mecca ?

2006= 345
2004= 251

Looking at this, it seems that it goes in a bit of a cycle, the past couple years excluding deaths from diseases it has not been as bad.

Maybe this year will be different.


(Reuters) - At least 2.5 million Muslims began the annual haj pilgrimage on Sunday, heading to an encampment near the holy city of Mecca to retrace the route taken by the Prophet Mohammad 14 centuries ago.

Traveling on foot, by public transport and in private cars, the pilgrims will stream through a mountain pass to a valley at Mina, some three km (two miles) outside Mecca. The path is the same as the Prophet himself took on his last pilgrimage.

The haj, one of the world's biggest displays of mass religious devotion lasts for five days. In the past it has been marred by fires, hotel collapses, police clashes with protesters and deadly stampedes.

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef said on Wednesday the kingdom could not rule out an attack by Al Qaeda's regional wing, although the kingdom's forces were ready to combat any such operations.