First prayer in masjid al-haram without social distancing.

For the first time in over a year, prayers in masjid al-haram (Makkah) and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Madina sharif), took place without social distancing curbs of COVID-19.

The Major restriction and precautionary measures have been abolished, as both the Grand Mosque and epicentre to Muslims around the world, returns to full capacity.

• Though the social distancing measures were lifted, Saudi authorities said pilgrims must be vaccinated and wear face masks.

• On Sunday, floor markings that guide people to social distance in and around the Grand Mosque were removed.

Pictures and footage on Sunday morning showed people praying side by side in straight rows of worshippers, the formation revered in Muslim prayers, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold last year.

Muslims around the world shared the pics and videos on social media platforms, celebrating the lift-off of social distancing curb in the grand mosque of Makkah, Masjid al-Haram.