Hajj in pictures: The most INCREDIBLE photographs of the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca

The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and Muslims are expected to make the journey at least once in their lifetime. 

Each year, millions of Muslims retrace the steps of the Prophet Muhammed by going on pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. 

These incredible photos show Muslims perform the Tawaf by circling the Kaaba, the cube-shaped shrine in the centre of the Grand Mosque of Mecca. 

The Hajj is the largest annual religious gathering of people in the world and one of the oldest pilgrimages. 

Hajj began on Wednesday August 30 and will last until Monday September 4

Saudi Arabia has welcomed two million pilgrims from countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Russia, China, Philippines and South Africa. 

HE Dr Awwad Alawwad, Saudi minister of culture and information, said: “Hosting Hajj each year is an honour and a great responsibility for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one we hold dear to our hearts. 

“We spare no effort when it comes to the well-being of pilgrims and our number one priority is to welcome individuals from all over the world as they seek to fulfil their religious and spiritual duty.”

Around 94 per cent of those taking part in this year’s pilgrimage have flown there, while others have travelled by bus, minivan and car. 

Hajj includes several sacred rituals and strict rules.

All Muslims taking part are required to wear white hiram garments – symbolic to their purity. 

It is also forbidden to shave, use scented soaps, engage in sexual intercourse and fight.  

On the second day, many Muslims will travel to Mount Arafat in the eastern part of Mecca where Muhammed is thought to have given his last sermon. 

After sunset they will spend the rest of the day collecting pebbles, which will then be ceremoniously cast at three walls called Jamarat to symbolically ’stone the devil’. 

Throughout the event the Muslims will live, eat and pray in a sprawling tent city in the neighbourhood of Mina.