Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba at the Grand mosque in Mecca, during the annual haj pilgrimage, November 19, 2010 (Photo: Reuters)
Saudi Arabia said Egyptians have made up the largest segment of religious pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca so far in 2014.
A statement by the Saudi embassy in Cairo said the number of Egyptian pilgrims this year totalled 888,978 – over 15 percent of the total number of pilgrims.
The embassy also said the number represents an increase in Egyptian pilgrims compared to 2013.
Egyptians were also the largest pilgrimage contingent in 2012.
The Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca performed by Muslims that can be undertaken at any time of the year. It is sometimes called the minor – or lesser – pilgrimage. The Hajj is the major pilgrimage and is compulsory for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it. The Umrah is not compulsory but highly recommended.
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