Humanity on Full Display

Although the pilgrims arrive by the planeload from almost every country in the world, every single one is wearing the same — two towels wrapped at the waist and shoulders for men, and a simple garment not covering the face for women.
The clothes symbolize equality among all Muslims as they come to face God on the holiest pilgrimage.
The excitement of the crowds arriving in Jeddah was expressed in a myriad of languages, as passengers from Mumbai, Abu Dhabi and Jakarta waited in the immigration line at the King Abdulaziz International Airport.
But the languages of Indonesia, India and Bosnian gave way as the pilgrims joined together in a swelling prayer at the Hajj terminal. Together, they chanted "Labaik Allahuma labaik,” Arabic for, "Here I am, God, here I am.”
The prayer encapsulates Hajj for many Muslims as they come to gain acceptance from God.
Performing a successful Hajj is a transformative event for millions each year, spiritually its competition fulfils the last pillar of Islam — increasing pilgrims chances for passage to paradise after death. But the journey is also important socially as it elevates ranking for many who gain the honorific of Hajji, or one whose performed Hajj.
But even among those not undertaking the pilgrimage, the sense of occasion is still great.
The taxi driver from the airport into the city of Mecca did so with one hand on the wheel and another gripping prayer beads, whispering incantations during the very long drive to the Holy City.
He was only interrupted by the three checkpoints on the 100-kilometer road from Jeddah to Mecca as officers checked papers to ensure the car was carrying only some of the 2 million pilgrims granted permission to attend.
Every able-bodied Muslim who has the means should perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime under a quota system.

Source:Keyhan