Final rites of the Islamic hajj in Mecca

Small groups of pilgrims performed one of final rites of hajj in Mecca on Friday, as Muslims worldwide marked start of Eid al-ha holiday amid a global pandemic that has impacted nearly every aspect of this year's pilgrim.

last days of hajj coincide with four-day Eid al-ha, or "Feast of Sacrifice," in which Muslims slaughter livestock and distribute meat to poor.

pandemic has pushed millions of people around world closer to brink of poverty, making it harder for many to fulfill religious trition of purchasing livestock.

hajj pilgrim has also been drastically impacted by virus.

Last year, some 2.5 million pilgrims took part, but this year as few as 1,000 pilgrims alrey residing in Saudi Arabia have been allowed to perform hajj.

Saudi Health Ministry said re have been cases of COVID-19 illness among this year's pilgrims.