Around 2 million Muslim pilgrims are converging on Saudi Arabia's Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. This is expected to be the largest Hajj pilgrimage ever and the final tally of pilgrims is expected to be above 2.5 million.

Only a small number of faithful are taking part in this year's hajj, usually one of the biggest religious gatherings in the world. Authorities have dramatically downsized the pilgrimage to prevent fresh virus outbreaks.

Mask-clad Muslim pilgrims begin the annual hajj, dramatically downsized this year as the Saudi hosts strive to prevent a coronavirus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage. The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam and a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, is usually one of the world's largest religious gatherings.

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Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, this year’s Ramadan is an unusual one for the Muslim community who are used to gathering together to pray and share meals as a community. Mosques around the world, including the holy sites in Mecca and Medina, have also been closed. These are a few of the reasons why this year's Ramadan is looking very different for adherents Islam around the world.⁣

An estimated two million Muslims from different parts of the world travel to Saudi Arabia to participate in Hajj annually. The ceremony is performed in accordance to the dictates of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). Here are the steps carried out during the rites.