Pilgrims converge at Mount Arafat for daylong worship

Faithful from around the world have congregated at a sacred hill for intense, daylong worship and reflection here in Saudi Arabia today, following the footsteps of prophets beneath a burning sun.

The ritual at Mount Arafat, is believed to be the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims stand shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet ask Allah for mercy, blessings, prosperity and good health. The Mount of Arafat is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Makkah.

1,435 years ago, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final speech, known as the Farewell Sermon, at the holy mount. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in the sermon, called for equality and unity among Muslims.

An Egyptian pilgrim, Ahmed Tukeyia, said that it’s indescribable after arriving at the tent camp of Mount Arafat.

The rituals of Hajj, one of the largest religious gatherings on earth, officially started yesterday when pilgrims moved from Makkah’s Grand Mosque to Mina, a desert plain just outside the city.

Saudi government expects the number of pilgrims this year to exceed 2 million, approaching the levels of pre-coronavirus pandemic.