More than two million Muslims performing the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia gathered on Wednesday Mount Arafat, east of the holy city of Makkah, in the climax of hajj after spending a night of meditation and introspection in the tent city of Mina.
Chanting “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik (Here I am answering Your call, O God),” the pilgrims took their way to `Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) delivered his last sermon 14 centuries ago.
According to Islamic tradition, it was on Mount Arafah that prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) delivered his last speech. The pilgrims will spend the whole day on Arafah supplicating to Allah to forgive their sins and praying for personal strength in the future. They also collect stones for the stoning of Satan.
Arafah rituals end at sunset and pilgrims then move to Muzdalifah for shortened Maghrib Prayer and Isha prayers and for a short rest.
Every year, Makkah sees millions of Muslims from around the world pouring to perform hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. Every able-bodied adult Muslim who can financially afford the trip must perform hajj at least once in a lifetime.
Horseed Media
Millions of Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat
Published: September 23, 2015
