Pilgrims ascend Mount Arafat during Hajj

Sea of worshipers scaled rocky hill southeast of Makkah for a day of prayers and reflection

MOUNT ARAFAT, SAUDI ARABIA: Muslim pilgrims on Monday began ascending Mount Arafat for the climax of the annual Hajj which brings together more than two million people from around the world.

Muslims ascend the mount of ArafatPHOTO: AFP

A sea of worshipers scaled the rocky hill southeast of the holy city of Makkah for a day of prayers and reflection where Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon. Some of the pilgrims - men in white seamless garments and women in loose dresses - pushed elderly relatives in wheelchairs on the second day of the Hajj, one of the world's largest annual gatherings.

Muslims on their journey to Arafat in Hajj attirePHOTO: AFP



A hot wind blew across the hill, also known as Jabalal Rahma (Mount of Mercy), and the surrounding plain after a downpour late Sunday. Many faithful could be seen sipping from bottles of water.

Pilgrims praying on their wayPHOTO: Reuters

After sunset, the pilgrims will leave for nearby Muzdalifah where they will gather pebbles to perform the symbolic "stoning of the devil".
The ritual begins in earnest on Tuesday as Muslims observe the first day of Eidul Azha, or Feast of Sacrifice, which marks the end of the hajj.

Sunset on Mount Arafat marking the beginning of their journey to MuzdalifahPHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: Reuters



Muslims traditionally slaughter sheep for the three-day Eidul Azha, a tribute to the Prophet Ibrahim's (PBUH) sacrifice of a lamb after God spared Prophet Ismail (PBUH), his son. They will consume some of the meat and give the rest to poor people unable to buy food.

PHOTO: Reuters

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam which every Muslim is required to complete at least once in their lifetime if they are healthy enough and have the means to do so.