In Pictures: Hajj 2018

More than two million Muslims began the Hajj pilgrimage on Sunday.

Tens of thousands of security personnel have been deployed for the pilgrimage, which was struck three years ago by what was termed the worst ever disaster when around 2,300 worshippers were crushed to death in a stampede.

The interior ministry said on Saturday that the number of pilgrims arriving in Makkah already surpassed the two million mark, mostly from abroad including large contingents from Egypt, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Most of the pilgrims began moving on Sunday from Makkah to the nearby Mina valley where they will spend the night in fire-resistant tents.

Pilgrims arrive at the plains of Arafat outside Mecca on the eve of Hajj, August 19, 2018. PHOTO:REUTERS

A pilgrim from Syria gestures as others gather on Mount Arafat in the background during Hajj on August 20, 2018. PHOTO:REUTERS

A pilgrim reads from a prayer leaflet atop Mount Arafat, during August 20, 2018. PHOTO:AFP

Mazen, aged one, gathers with his parents and other pilgrims on the plains of Arafat during Hajj on August 20, 2018. PHOTO:REUTERS

Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat during Hajj on August 20, 2018. AFP

Saudi security officers near Mount Arafat during Hajj on August 20, 2018. PHOTO:REUTERS

Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat during Hajj on August 20, 2018. PHOTO:AFP

Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat during Hajj on Augusut 20, 2018. PHOTO:AFP

Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat during Hajj on August 20, 2018. PHOTO:REUTERS

Pilgrims pray outside Namira mosque on the plains of Arafat during Hajj on August 20, 2018. PHOTO:REUTERS