Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for hajj’s pinnacle
MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia (AP) – Muslim pilgrims have gathered in the valley of Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for a day of prayer that marks the pinnacle of the annual hajj.
Some 2 million pilgrims packed shoulder to shoulder early Monday for an emotional day of repentance and supplication.
It was on this day some 1,400 years ago that Islam’s Prophet Muhammad is said to have delivered his final sermon, calling for equality and for Muslims to unite.
Muslim pilgrims walk towards Namirah mosque on Arafat Mountain, during the annual hajj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018. More than 2 million Muslims have begun the annual hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam and is required of all able-bodied Muslims once in their life. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
Muslims believe prayer on this day at Mount Arafat, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Mecca, is their best chance to erase past sins and start anew.
Overnight, strong winds and thunderstorms roared through Mecca. Officials say the severe weather slightly damaged some tents housing pilgrims, but caused no injuries.
Muslim pilgrims walk towards Namirah mosque on Arafat Mountain, during the annual hajj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018. More than 2 million Muslims have begun the annual hajj pilgrimage, representing one of the five pillars of Islam and is required of all able-bodied Muslims once in their life. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
A sand storm engulfs Muslim pilgrims as they arrive at Namirah Mosque on Arafat Mountain, during the annual hajj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018. More than 2 million Muslims have begun the annual hajj pilgrimage, representing one of the five pillars of Islam and is required of all able-bodied Muslims once in their life. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
In this Aug. 16, 2018, photo taken with a long exposure, Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba as they pray at the Grand Mosque, ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The annual Islamic pilgrimage draws millions of visitors each year, making it the largest yearly gathering of people in the world. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
Advertisement
Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.