Muslims from around the world congregated Saturday at a sacred hill in Saudi Arabia for worship and reflection.
The ritual at Mount Arafat, known as the hill of mercy, is considered the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is often the most memorable for pilgrims, who stand together asking God for mercy, blessings, prosperity and good health. The hill is about 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah.
Thousands of pilgrims walked there through the predawn darkness. On the slopes of the rocky hill and the surrounding area, many raised their hands in worship with tears streaming down their faces.
Most of the pilgrims at Mount Arafat carried umbrellas, while others sat in the shade. And, as at Mina and the Grand Mosque, cooling stations on the roads leading to the hill and in its surrounding areas sprayed pilgrims with water to help fight the heat, which had already climbed to 47C at Mount Arafat, according to Saudi metrological authorities.
Pilgrims will next travel nearby to a site known as Muzdalifa to collect pebbles that they will use in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil back in Mina. Many walk, while others use buses.
Pilgrims then return to Mina for three days, coinciding with the festive Eid al-Adha holiday. Afterward, they return to Makkah for a final circumambulation, known as Farewell Tawaf.
