Photos Muslim pilgrims begin haj rites

MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AFP) - More than 2.5 million Muslim pilgrims began on Friday the rites of the annual haj pilgrimage, leaving the holy city of Mecca for Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final haj sermon.

Dressed in white, they flooded the streets as they headed towards Mina, around 5km east of the holy mosque.