Muslim pilgrims converge on Mount Arafat for holiest day of Hajj

 

The ritual at Mount Arafat is considered the peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. 

Muslim pilgrims gather at the top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Muslims from across the globe have gathered at a sacred hill near Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the holiest day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. 

The ritual at Mount Arafat, revered as the hill of mercy, holds profound significance for pilgrims who stand closely together, praying for mercy, blessings, prosperity, and good health.

In the early hours before dawn, thousands of pilgrims walked approximately 20km (12 miles) southeast of Mecca to reach the mount. On the rocky slopes and surrounding areas, many lifted their hands in tearful worship.

"For sure, it's something magnificent. It's the most important day for Muslims throughout the year, and the most profound feeling anyone can experience," said Hussein Mohammed, an Egyptian pilgrim, standing on the rocky slopes at dawn. "It's the best place for anyone who wishes to be here on this day, at this moment."

Mount Arafat is historically significant as it is believed Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon 1,435 years ago, calling for equality and unity among Muslims.

Hajj is among the largest religious gatherings globally. The rituals commenced officially on Friday as pilgrims moved from Mecca's Grand Mosque to Mina, a desert plain just outside the city.

This year’s pilgrimage is taking place against the harrowing backdrop of Israel’s continued onslaught on the Gaza Strip.

On Thursday, worshippers circled the Kaaba, Islam's most sacred shrine, within the Grand Mosque in Mecca, in preparation for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Having journeyed from various corners of the world, the pilgrims commenced with the 'tawaf', circling the Kaaba seven times.

People pray before and touch the walls of the Kaaba

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Worshippers shade themselves with umbrellas as they walk near the Grand Mosque.

Pilgrims arrive at the Mina tent camp, near Mecca.

More than a million Muslim pilgrims started the Hajj pilgrimage on Friday

A pilgrim prays at dawn on Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma.

The annual Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam that must be performed at least once by all Muslims who have the means to do so

Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Mount Arafat. 

Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry has cautioned that temperatures at the holy sites could reach 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) and urged pilgrims to use umbrellas and drink enough water to stay hydrated. 

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