In pictures: Hajj 2017

Chalking down the visual journey of Hajj 2017

Approximately two million Muslims have come together in Makkah to perform the holy pilgrimage of Hajj, a religious journey Muslims revere for a life time.

Amidst crisis struck nations, mired in chaos, Hajj managed to gather millions to chant Takbeer in God’s name and assimilate as one community. The pilgrims will perform the same rituals performed 1,400 years ago when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did them.

From morning until dark, the humongous crowd gathers in Mount Arafat and dutifully prays to cleanse their souls.

Hajj, in its truest essence, requires pilgrims to rid themselves of any materialistic belongings and drape a seamless cloth throughout the process of pilgrimage.

Here’s how the Muslim world celebrated Hajj this year:

Members of Saudi security forces demonstate their skills during a military parade in preparation for the Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. PHOTO: REUTERS

Pilgrims arrive at Jeddah airport. PHOTO: AFP

Men embroider the Kiswa, a silk cloth covering the Holy Kaaba, ahead of the Hajj, at a factory in Makkah. PHOTO: REUTERS

Visitors sit on the roof of a hotel outside the Grand mosque ahead of Hajj. PHOTO: REUTERS

Muslim worshippers perform the Isha prayers at the Holy Kaaba prior to Hajj. PHOTO: AFP

Pilgrims touch the Holy Kaaba at the Grand mosque ahead of the Haj. PHOTO: REUTERS

A 104-year-old Indonesian woman Mariah Marghani Muhammad (C), who is reportedly one of the oldest pilgrims attending the Hajj this year, arriving at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. PHOTO: AFP

Pilgrims circle the Holy Kaaba ahead of the Haj. PHOTO: REUTERS

A muslim pilgrim prays at Mount Al-Noor where Muslims believe Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) received the first words of the Quran through Gabriel in the cave in the cave of Hira in Makkah. PHOTO: REUTERS

Worshippers walk around the Holy Kaaba prior to the start of the Hajj. PHOTO: AFP

A pilgrim prays in front of the Holy Kaaba ahead of the Haj. PHOTO: REUTERS

Worshippers bow during prayers in front of the Holy Kaaba prior to the start of the Hajj. PHOTO: AFP

This long exposure photograph shows pilgrims circumambulating the Holy Kaaba on the eve of the start of Hajj. PHOTO: AFP

Worshippers pray in front of the Holy Kaaba prior to the start of the Hajj. PHOTO: AFP

Pilgrims make their way on the first day of Hajj in Arafat, Saudi Arabia. PHOTO: REUTERS

An aerial view shows buses parked after dropping pilgrims off near Mount Arafat. PHOTO: AFP

An aerial view shows pilgrims gathering on Mount Arafat. PHOTO: AFP

Pilgrims gather on Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat. PHOTO: REUTERS

Pilgrims pray outside Namira Mosque on the plains of Arafat. PHOTO: REUTERS

Pilgrims rest on Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat. PHOTO: REUTERS

A pilgrim prays on the first day Hajj in Arafat, Saudi Arabia. PHOTO: REUTERS

Pilgrims walk and pray on Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), southeast of the Makkah, on the eve of Arafat Day which is the climax of the Hajj. PHOTO: AFP

A pilgrim checks her mobile phone as she rests in a tent near Mount Arafat. PHOTO: AFP

Saudi security personel spray water on pilgrims to cool them off. PHOTO: AFP

Pilgrims reach up to receive food donations near Mount Arafat. PHOTO: AFP

Two pilgrim children are seemn sitting in a wheelchair near Mount Arafat. PHOTO: AFP

Pilgrims gather stones to be used to throw at marks symbolising Satan. PHOTO: REUTERS

Pilgrims gather stones to be used to throw at marks symbolising Satan. PHOTO: REUTERS