What is Hajj? Annual Islamic Pilgrimage

The pilgrimage draws Muslims to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, where they walk in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad.

Hajj takes place two months and 10 days after Ramadan ends, during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.

Over 2 million pilgrims are expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam.

All Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able.

Muslims do not worship the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure covered in black.

But view it as their most sacred place and a powerful symbol of unity and monotheism.

The Hajj begins with Muslims circling Kaaba in counter-clockwise seven times while reciting prayers.

They walk between two hills in a reenactment of Hagar’s search for water for her son, Ismail.

Pilgrims head to Mount Arafat, some 20 km east of Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon.

The pilgrimage ends with a final circling of the Kaaba and further casting of stones at Mina.

Men often shave their heads and women clip a lock of hair, signalling renewal.

The final days of Hajj coincide with Eid al-Adha.

People who have completed the pilgrimage may add the phrase al-Hajj or hajji to their names.