Thousands of Muslims circle the Kaaba today (June 23) as the Hajj pilgrimage begins in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The largest annual pilgrimage in the world is a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in the lifetime of every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so.

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: Mecca - 23 June 2022. Muslim pilgrims perform Tawaf during the annual Haj pilgrimage, in the holy Saudi city of Mecca, during annual Hajj pilgrimage.

STORYLINE:

Annual Saudi Arabia welcomed its first batch of hajj pilgrims since before the coronavirus pandemic, which prompted authorities to sharply restrict the annual ritual.

The Hajj, largest annual pilgrimage in the world, is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in the lifetime of every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so.

Footage by /APA