Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into the holy city of Mecca ahead of the start of the Hajj, as the annual pilgrimage returns to its monumental scale.

Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have already arrived in the country, with more expected to join them.

Coupled with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims living in Saudi Arabia, officials estimate the number of pilgrims this year to exceed that of 2023, approaching pre-pandemic levels.

The pilgrimage — one of the five pillars of Islam, and which all able-bodied Muslims with sufficient means are required to perform at least once in their lives — is scheduled between June 14 and June 19 this year.

Those partaking in Hajj view the pilgrimage as an opportunity to strengthen their faith, wipe out old sins and start afresh.

Here’s a look at how many pilgrims undertook the Hajj over the years.