A Muslim pilgrim prays on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam’s Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)
The Associated Press
MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Some 2 million Muslim pilgrims are gathering in the valley of Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for a day of prayer that marks the pinnacle of the hajj pilgrimage.
Wednesday is an emotional day for the pilgrims from around the world, with many weeping as they stretch their hands out toward the sky to ask for forgiveness and pray for loved ones.
It is on this day some 1,400 years ago that Islam’s Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon from Mount Arafat during the hajj, calling for equality and for Muslims to unite.
The five-day hajj pilgrimage began Tuesday. To shed symbols of materialism, male pilgrims wear white garments meant to symbolize humility and equality, while women forgo makeup and perfume and wear loose-fitting clothing.
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Categories: Arab World, Asia, Islam, Saudi Arabia