The Qur'an says: 'And proclaim to mankind al-Hajj. They will come to you on foot and on every lean mount; they will come from every deep and distant mountain highway. (XXII: 27–8)' Every year Muslim pilgrims converge on Mecca from all corners of the Muslim world. The upkeep of the pilgrimage routes, the rest stations, reservoirs and watchtowers, were the responsibility of the local Muslim governors or rulers.