Makkah al-Mukarramah (Web Desk): The Hajj pilgrimage has formally started in Makkah, as vast numbers of worshippers from around the world begin arriving in the holy sites to take part in the sacred journey.
Around 1.8 million Muslims are currently gathered in the holy city to perform the annual pilgrimage rituals.
According to reports, pilgrims began moving into Mina late last night, marking the first key phase of the Hajj.
They will remain in Mina until the Fajr prayer on the 9th of Zil-Hajj. Following this, the pilgrims will proceed to the plains of Arafat, where they will offer the Zuhr and Asr prayers together.
The main Hajj sermon is set to be delivered at Masjid-e-Nimrah in Arafat, a central moment of the pilgrimage.
After sunset, the pilgrims will continue their journey towards Muzdalifah without performing the Maghrib prayer, which will instead be combined with Isha upon arrival there.