Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have already gathered in Mecca in preparation for this year's Hajj, which will begin on Wednesday, November 25.
On average, between two and three million Muslims take part in the five-day journey every year.
A decreased turnout had been anticipated this year due in part to both fears of an outbreak of H1N1, and as a knock-on effect of the global recession. However, local newspaper Saudi Gazette's headline this morning read "2.5m offer Friday prayers" in Mecca.
![[QODLink]](http://english.aljazeera.net/mritems/Images/2012/2/11/2012211114212966734_16.jpg "Yusuf Raza Gilani")
