The annual Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj is underway in Saudi Arabia. This year saw the return of the first foreign pilgrims since the pandemic began. 

Much has changed since the global outbreak caused the kingdom to close its borders for most travel, including new quotas and limits on travelers.

The Hajj is one of the five essentials, or pillars, of Islam. Each adult Muslim should complete the pilgrimage once in their lifetime if their health and wealth permit them to.

 In 2020, Hajj was limited to only 1,000 people who were already within the kingdom. This year the country will allow 1 million people to participate.

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