But the hajj is the most diverse gathering of people anywhere on earth. From America to Australia, from Palestine to the Philippines, more than 2 million Muslims meet in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the observance of the annual pilgrimage. Islam teaches that all are equal in God's eyes. An African-American Muslim from Los Angeles is the brother of an ethnic Albanian from Kosovo. Everyone is on equal footing.
Women wear similar modest clothing.
This is a symbol of equality and unity. The first hajj was performed by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions in 633. Since then, Muslims worldwide have been fulfilling their duty to God. Far too few Americans know about Islam and its traditions, even though Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the United States. Many Americans have embraced Islam after looking deep into its message of equality, justice and peace through the worship of God.