Hajj 2024: Pilgrimage Reaches Its Peak As Over 2 Million Muslims Perform Daylong Worship At Mount Arafah

Over 2 million Muslims from around the world have converged on Saturday at a sacred hill in Saudi Arabia for intense, daylong worship and reflection.

Osun Defender reports that 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 shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet, asking God for mercy, blessings, prosperity, and good health. The mount is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Mecca.

Thousands of pilgrims walked to the mount 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.

READ: 10 Important Things Muslims Should Do And Avoid On Arafah Day

“For sure it is something great. It is the best day for Muslims during the year, and the best feeling that anyone can experience,” Hussein Mohammed, an Egyptian pilgrim, said as he stood on the rocky slopes at dawn. “It is the best place for anyone hoping to be (here) on this day and at this moment.”

It’s believed that Prophet Muhammad delivered his final speech, known as the Farewell Sermon, at the sacred Mount 1,435 years ago. In the sermon, the prophet called for equality and unity among Muslims.