MAKKAH (PIC)– Muslim pilgrims from around the world gathered before dawn on Sunday in the hill of Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for a day of prayer that marks the pinnacle of the annual Hajj (Greater Pilgrimage).
Some 1.5 million pilgrims are seen crammed shoulder to shoulder for emotional moments of repentance and supplication praying that Allah would pacify the nation and spread peace and love everywhere across the globe.
Many are seen with tears in their eyes as they raised their hands praying for forgiveness.
Others shed tears as they prayed that their deceased mothers fathers children friends and relatives rest in peace.
It was on this day some 1400 years ago that Islam’s Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) delivered his final sermon from Mount Arafat during the Hajj calling on Muslims to never cheat kill or steal.
Throughout the day Muslim pilgrims climb up the hill and pray facing the Kaaba the center of the world as mentioned in the Holy Koran and proved by scientific research.
Muslims believe prayer on this day at Mount Arafat about 20 kilometers east of Makkah is their best occasion to erase past sins and start anew.
Islam requires that all hale and hearty Muslims perform the Hajj once in their lives following a route that Prophet Mohammed once walked.
The Hajj is the largest congregation of Muslims worldwide drawing people from different social classes races and religious sects all praying side by side.
Saudi authorities say there are 1.3 million international visitors for the Hajj this year. Thousands of pilgrims from the kingdom itself are also expected to join up.
