1 million for biggest hajj pilgrimage since pandemic, security forces in Saudi Arabia in preparation

1. One million people, including 850,000 from abroad, are allowed at this year's #hajj -- a key pillar of Islam that all able-bodied #muslims are required to perform at least once -- after two years of drastically curtailed numbers due to the pandemic.

At least 650,000 overseas pilgrims have arrived so far in Saudi Arabia, the authorities said Sunday.

Security forces in Saudi Arabia march through a parade ground in #mecca as pilgrims around the world start to converge towards the Muslim holy city for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
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2. The people took part in the rituals, which include circling the Kaaba, the imposing black cube at Mecca's Grand Mosque, gathering at Mount Arafat and "stoning the devil" in Mina.