Haj Pilgrims Begin Arrival on Oct. 21

MAKKAH, 5 August 2007 — The first Haj pilgrims this year will begin arriving on 10 Shawwal (Oct. 21), according to Deputy Haj Minister Hatim Ghadi. At least 1.5 million pilgrims are expected to arrive from abroad. The five-day Haj is tentatively set to begin on Dec. 17, depending on when the full moon is sighted. Arafat Day, which is the second day (the climax) of the Haj, is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 18.