Thousands flocked to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for Hajj despite coronavirus restrictions limiting the number of pilgrims.

Due to COVID-19 only a certain amount of Muslims will be able to attend and take part in the socially distant ceremony which occurs between July 28 and August 2.

This footage was filmed on July 31.

As one of the five key pillars in Islam, Hajj is a requirement for all physically and financially able Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime. A huge event in terms of mass gathering, the event sees more than two million Muslims from across the world, performing the annual pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca.
Hajj 2020 began on July 28 and it will go on till August 2. This year, due to coronavirus, only a limited number of people will take part in the ceremony while practising necessary social distancing protocols.
During the pilgrimage, Muslims follow a route once walked by Prophet Muhammad, and also follow rites related to the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail. The pilgrims, who have all been tested for the virus, are required to wear masks and observe social distancing during ‘tawaf’.