Incredible images show Muslims gathering in Mecca where where 2.6MILLION worshippers will descend for the annual Hajj pilgrimage
AN estimated one million pilgrims on the Hajj have already arrived in Saudi Arabia before the start of the huge Hajj pilgrimage this weekend.
Over a million more Muslims are expected to make the journey this year as Muslims gather from all around the world.
Those visiting the holy city between August 19-24 have also been warned to be "vigilant" about the possible threat of terrorism.
The five day pilgrimage is the world's largest single gathering of people and this year begins on the evening of August 19.
Hajj takes place from the 8th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijja which is the final and the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and seen as a sacred duty that must be undertaken at least once - although exceptions are made for financial hardship and ill health.
Muslims are given special clothes called Ihram to wear, which are simple, white garments that are supposed to make Muslims appear equal – regardless of wealth or status – before Allah.
Sex, smoking, swearing and disagreements are among the things banned during the pilgrimage.
Once in Mecca, Muslims perform the Tawaf, which is when they move counter-clockwise seven times around the Kaaba, a small shrine in the centre of the Grand Mosque.
The tradition dates back to the prophet Ibrahim - known as Abraham to Jews and Christians - who built Kaaba at Islam’s most sacred Mosque.
Pilgrims then walk or run between the mountains of Safa and Marwah seven times, which represents when Ibrahim’s wife Hagar did the same when searching for water.
most read in world news
On the second day of Hajj, Muslims head to Mount Arafat to stand in vigil, which is the location where Prophet Muhammad is said to have given his last sermon.
At the start of the Eid al-Adha feast, Muslims then take part in stoning ceremonies, where they toss pebbles at walls to represent the symbolic "stoning of the devil".
Sheep are also slaughtered to give meat to the needy, and men and women trim their hair.
The word “Hajj” means “to intend a journey”, which represents the physical distance Muslims travel, but also internal battles overcome.