Voices from the Hajj: The journey begins - by Siraj Wahab, 'Arab News', Saudi Arabia.

MECCA, Saudi Arabia -- Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from across the globe started marching to the plains of Mina Friday, chanting "Labaik Allahumma Labaik" (O Lord, here I am answering Your call), in unison at the start of this year's Hajj.

Many in the sea of white-clad believers were so moved by the ritual that tears streamed down their faces as they set out from Mecca to Mina, some 11 kilometers away, retracing the steps of the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him.

"We feel on top of the world," said Ghadia Rehman from Syria, choking with emotion. "To see all these people from around the world responding to the call and speaking in one voice to our one Creator gives me unprecedented feelings."

Some 2 million pilgrims of all ages braved a blistering midday sun while offering Friday prayers. All lanes and bylanes of the holy city were packed with the devoted faithful. There were many emotional scenes. Elderly pilgrims were seen dabbing their faces with cold water to beat the heat. Many of them fainted while circumambulating the Holy Kaaba. The pilgrims have come from over 100 countries and are performing Hajj, seeking repentance, purification and spiritual renewal in a ritual performed by millions of Muslims every year for the past 14 centuries.

This year, the Hajj climaxes on March 4. Many attendees expect the pilgrimage to be a life-changing journey. "It's a spiritual experience that takes us away from the rush-hour traffic to a life of meditation, prayer and supplication," said one member of the delegation of American Muslims.

Along with belief in one God, five daily prayers, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan and almsgiving, the pilgrimage is one of the duties Muslims are required to fulfill at least once in their lifetime, provided they have the means to do so.

Leaving their worldly possessions behind, the pilgrims shed their tailored suits and fancy shoes for a seamless white robe and sandals that embody the equality of mankind before its Creator. Many pilgrims were unanimous in the view that nothing can quite prepare them for the sheer beauty of the experience and the overwhelming feeling of humbleness that overcomes a pilgrim.

"The Hajj is the largest religious gathering in the world and to witness that in itself is amazing," said Mateen Khalid from Britain. "The whole exercise is spiritually stimulating."