The Hajj by numbers

As the Hajj comes to a close, we take a look at one of the pillars of the Islamic faith, that every adult Muslim must undertake Hajj at least once in their life, if they can afford it and are physically able.

Although, over two million Muslims usually converge on Mecca - the holiest place in Islam - the numbers were believed to be lower this year due to fears of swine flu.

Despite fears of a mass pandemic, Saudi health authorities reported that only five people had died of swine flu, however they all had had underlying health problems. To prevent the spread, the health authorities had offered free inoculations to all pilgrims, but it is estimated only 10 percent of visiting pilgrims had been vaccinated.

In order to prevent the spread of swine flu, the Saudi government had urged Muslims over 65 and under 12 as well as people with chronic diseases and pregnant women not to perform the ritual this year. Some countries had enforced even tighter rules with Iran putting restrictions on the number of citizens attending the Hajj this year, while Tunisia banned citizens from going altogether.

If that wasn't enough, the heaviest rainfall in years overwhelmed cities in Saudi Arabia, causing floods and the deaths of 48 people.

These incidents were a blow to the Saudi government, who had worked hard to implement stringent safety measures this year after 362 people were crushed to death in a stampede in 2006.

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