This was the scene today as two million Muslims from around the world began gathering at Mount Arafat for the highlight of the hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia dedicated to prayers and reflection.
Helicopters flew around the area as the faithful converged from dawn on the surrounding Mount Arafat plain and the hill known as Jabal al-Rahma – or Mount of Mercy – near Mecca.
Dressed in white, the pilgrims could be seen climbing up the sides of the hill and taking up positions to pray on rocks already heated by the morning sun.
Two million Muslims from around the world began gathering on Mount Arafat today for the highlight of the hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia dedicated to prayers and reflection
Dressed in white, the pilgrims could be seen climbing up the sides of the hill and taking up positions to pray on rocks already heated by the morning sun
Helicopters flew around the area as the faithful converged from dawn on the surrounding Mount Arafat plain and the hill known as Jabal al-Rahma – or Mount of Mercy
Mass gathering: Muslim worshippers pray during the Hajj pilgrimage outside Namrah Mosque in Arafat, near Mecca
Around 2.6 million muslim are expected to attend this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, which is highlighted by the Day of Arafah, one day prior to Eid al-Adha
On the concrete pathways linking the plain to the hill, they invoked God as they walked with their palms facing the sky.
Others rested in makeshift tents or on sheets along the side of the road amid empty bottles and waste.
The second day of the hajj, a must for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it, is dedicated to prayer and reflection.
The second day of the hajj – a five-day pilgrimage which all Muslims must perform at least once in their lifetime if physically and financially able – is dedicated to prayer and reflection
With temperatures pushing 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) under the desert sun, the faithful climbed the hill east of Mecca where Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon some 14 centuries ago
The second day of the hajj, a must for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it, is dedicated to prayer and reflection
Arafat is the site where Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon about 14 centuries ago after leading his followers on the pilgrimage
On the concrete pathways linking the plain to the hill, they invoked God as they walked with their palms facing the sky
Pilgrimage: It was still not even 10am and temperatures were already over 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit)
A Muslim worshipper takes selfies using his mobile phone during the Hajj pilgrimage on Mount Arafat, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Arafat is the site where Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon about 14 centuries ago after leading his followers on the pilgrimage.
‘I went up last night and prayed, taking pictures and calling my family and friends,’ said Maia, 32-year-old from Jakarta.
Noura Sulieman, a pilgrim from the Philippines, said she’d been to the hajj many times before and was here again to pray for her family.
‘I came here to Arafat to pray for my family, for my daughter, and my son, and all my family, and all the Philippines Muslims, and all Muslims in all countries,’ she said. ‘God willing, Allah will accept our pilgrimage.’
It was still not even 10am and temperatures were already over 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit).
In a hospital opposite the mountain, an area was set aside for people who suffer in the heat.
‘We have deployed 326 ambulances on the pilgrimage route so they can take care of the sick very quickly,’ said Meshal Alanazi of the Red Crescent.
In the evening, the pilgrims will travel to Muzdalifa where they will stay the night before taking part in a symbolic stoning of the devil.
The ritual at the Jamarat Bridge was the scene of a stampede in 2015 that claimed the lives of 2,300 pilgrims – the worst disaster in the history of the hajj.
In the evening, the pilgrims will travel to Muzdalifa where they will stay the night before taking part in a symbolic stoning of the devil
Saudi security control the traffic of the Muslim pilgrims’ arrival at Arafat for the annual hajj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Authorities have deployed more than 100,000 security forces to secure the hajj and assist pilgrims
A Muslim worshipper reads the Koran during the Hajj pilgrimage on the Mount Arafat. Around 2.6 million Muslims are expected to attend this year’s pilgrimage
Ascent: The kingdom has deployed more than 100,000 security personnel to keep pilgrims safe at this year’s hajj, according to the interior ministry
A pilgrim reads on the Jabal Al Rahma holy mountain, or the mountain of forgiveness, at Arafat for the annual Muslim hajj pilgrimage
Offering prayers: Muslim worshippers set off early in the morning to scale the mountain close to Mecca in Saudi Arabia
At the foot of Mount Arafat, mobile barriers have been installed to control the movement of the crowds.
‘They will be moved to enlarge the passages when there are more pilgrims,’ said Ahmed al-Baraka of the Saudi security forces.
The movement of such a large and diverse crowd of people in a short period of time in limited spaces is a logistical challenge for the Saudi government.
Authorities have deployed more than 100,000 security forces to secure the hajj and assist pilgrims. Additional doctors, nurses, ambulances and mobile health centers are also deployed in the areas of hajj.