In Mecca, a fortunate few pray for a pandemic-free world

A general view shows Muslim pilgrims wearing protective masks and maintaining social distancing as they pray inside Namira Mosque in Arafat to mark Haj's most important day, Day of Arafat, during their Haj pilgrimage amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia July 30, 2020. Saudi Ministry of Media/Handout via REUTERS

RIYADH (Reuters) - In years before the coronavirus, some 3 million white-clad pilgrims from across the world flocked to Islam's holiest sites to attend haj under Saudi Arabia's blistering sun.

With the pandemic making large gatherings impossible, only a few thousand pilgrims - Saudis and foreign residents - are gathering this year on Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat for the most important ritual. They share a common plea.