Annual Hajj: Millions Gather at Mount Arafat in Jeddah
Nearly three million pilgrims are pouring to Mount Arafat for the climax of the annual Hajj, which is expected to break attendance records this year.
Arriving at Arafat, a mountain about 20 km southeast of Mecca, pilgrims will offer prayers at Nimrah mosque. Many have already started heading to the region for key rituals.
Millions will spend the night praying and reciting the Holy Quran here. The pilgrims will listen to the Hajj Sermon at Masjid-e-Nimrah while staying in Arafat.
The ritual at Arafat is a crucial part of the pilgrimage, as it is the same point where Prophet Mohammed (SAW) gave his final sermon. Prayers at Arafat are the highlight of the pilgrimage.
At this point, pilgrims donning Ihram chant "Labbaik Allahuma Labbaik," meaning "Oh Allah, here I am."
In the coming days, the faithful will continue their journey to Muzdalifah, where they will sleep under the open sky before performing the stoning of the devil ceremony.
This year's Hajj is said to be the biggest in recent times as it is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken by all Muslims. In previous years, Saudi officials limited the gathering of pilgrims for Hajj due to Covid fears.

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