Muslim pilgrims arrive in Mecca ahead of start of Hajj

With the annual Hajj pilgrimage beginning on Wednesday, Muslim worshippers are starting to arrive in the Saudi city of Mecca. This year, two million people are expected to complete the holy pilgrimage, that makes up one of the five pillars of Islam.

Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are financially and physically able to complete it. The spiritual journey is also physically very demanding. Pilgrims carry out the…