High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! There have been many serious incidents during the Hajj (the Muslim pilgrimage to the city of Mecca) that in total have caused the loss of thousands of lives. Every follower of Islam is requested to visit Mecca during the Hajj at least once in his or her lifetime, but only if they can afford or able to do so. During the month of the Hajj, Mecca must cope with as many as three million pilgrims.