An estimated 1 million people made the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday to take part in hajj– marking the largest gathering for the pilgrimage since the COVID-19 pandemic started. The pilgrimage, called the hajj, happens every year, but Muslims are required to do at least once in their lifetimes, if they are physically and financially able.
Part of the hajj includes praying around the holiest shrine in Islam — the cube-shaped Kaaba. While the crowds are smaller than pre-pandemic levels and some health measures are in place, this year’s estimated attendance represents a step closer to normal. All religious pilgrims had to be between the ages of 18 and 65 years old, vaccinated against COVID and to have a negative test before doing the hajj.
This post was produced and edited by Tim McPhillips, Julia Griffin, Yasmeen Alamiri and Dan Cooney.
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