Millions of Pilgrims Gather at ‘Mount Arafat’ for Hajj

Over two million Muslim pilgrims from all over the world have gathered earlier today to ascend Mount Arafat, the main ritual of Hajj and one of the world's largest annual gatherings.

A white-sea of worshipers scaled the rocky hill southeast of the holy city of Mecca for a day of prayers, supplicating the Almighty and asking Him for forgiveness and mercy until the sun sets..

Main rituals of the Hajj will be done in Arafat today as the pilgrims moved towards the place after staying the night in Mina. Waqoof (stay) in Arafat is performed from Zuhar to sunset on the 9th of Zil-Hajj of Islamic year.

A hot wind blew across the hill, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), and the surrounding plain after a downpour late on Saturday. Many faithful could be seen sipping from bottles of water under the scorching desert sun.

After sunset, the pilgrims will leave for nearby Muzdalifah where they will gather pebbles to perform the symbolic "stoning of the devil” marking the end of their holy pilgrimage.

The ritual begins in earnest on Sunday as Muslims observe the first day of Eid al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice, which marks the end of the hajj.

Muslims traditionally slaughter sheep for the three-day Eid al-Adha, a tribute to the Prophet Abraham's sacrifice of a lamb after God spared Ishmael, his son.

The hajj pilgrimage 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.

Some 70.000 Egyptian pilgrims have so far arrived in the holy city of Mecca to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

All Egyptian pilgrims were in good condition, head of the Hajj delegation Amr Lotfy said, adding that members of a medical delegation sent by the Egyptian authorities will be available at all hotels where Egyptians are staying.

All capable Muslims are required to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, once in their lifetime.

Saudi authorities said more than 2.37 million Muslims from around the world took part in last year's pilgrimage.