Every year over two million Muslims journey to Mecca to perform 1,400-year-old prayers and rites in a deeply personal journey that is said to focus the mind and the spirit. CNN has covered this pilgrimage for the past 15 years. 2004 once again sees live and documentary programming around the event by the broadcaster.

The network reports live from Mecca from 30 January till 2 February 2. This will include a special that puts the sacred journey into context and highlights the debate within Islam regarding a number of issues

The anchor of CNN’s Haj coverage is Rym Brahimi. Additionally, in a special Haj: The Essential Journey, pilgrims from Cairo, London, Kuwait City and Islamabad describe their personal experiences as they journey to the holy city of Mecca in a half hour special anchored by Zain Verjee that explores the ritual. The programme also features distinguished scholars explaining the significance of the rituals, what they mean, why they are important, and how the religion of Islam can be understood though the Haj experience.