About two million persons perform the hajj each year, and the rite serves as a unifying force in Islam by bringing followers of diverse background together in religious celebration. Once a believer has completed the pilgrimage, Hajj is a spiritual, emotional and physical challenge that tests the patience and temperament of the pilgrim.

Every year, between two and three million people participate in the pilgrimage. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, there were only 10,000 pilgrims in 2020. The following year saw 58,700 pilgrims, and last year’s numbers picked up again to one million.