Muslim pilgrims arrive in Mecca for Hajj

Muslim pilgrims began arriving in Mecca on Saturday to perform the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims were seen performing the arrival Tawaf (circumambulation) around the holy cube of Kaabah.

Only 60,000 pilgrims are performing the pilgrimage this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hajj is one of Islam's most important requirements, performed once in a lifetime.

It follows a route the Prophet Muhammad walked nearly 1,400 years ago and is believed to ultimately trace the footsteps of the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail.

This year, a smart card will be used by all pilgrims and workers, giving them access to services, camps, hotels and means of transportation.

Each year, up to 2 million Muslims perform the hajj, a physically demanding and often costly pilgrimage that draws the faithful from around the world.

IMAGE: AP