TWO MILLION MUSLIMS FOR THE PEAK HAJ PILGRIMAGE

Mina, 11 Dhulhijjah 1436/24 September 2015 (MINA) – Around two million white-clad Muslims on Wednesday,(09/23) poured into the vast Saudi plain where Prophet Muhammad had given his final sermon, for the peak of the Haj pilgrimage.

Many of the faithful from around the globe camped at the foot of Mount Arafat where they slept, exhausted from their journey, and prayed despite the scorching sun.

Carrying colorful umbrellas, they walked from dawn in massive crowds toward the slippery, rocky hill which is also known as Mount Mercy, Arab News quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

It was here that the Prophet gave his final sermon 14 centuries ago after leading his followers on Haj.

To organize the flow of pilgrims, security forces formed human chains along the roads of the vast Arafat plain.

Along the way, volunteers handed out boxes of food and cold water bottles.

For many pilgrims, Haj is the spiritual highlight of their lives.

“We feel blessed. I got goosebumps, a feeling that cannot be explained, when reaching the top of the mountain,” said Ruhaima Emma, a 26-year-old Filipino pilgrim, who said she has been “praying for a good life for everyone.”

For Akram Ghannam, 45, from war-torn Syria, being in Arafat is a “feeling that cannot be described. I pray to God for the victory of all those who are oppressed.”

Many reached Arafat by bus while some walked from the holy city of Makkah about 15 kilometers (nine miles) away.

Other pilgrims arrived from nearby Mina using the elevated Mashair Railway linking the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina, a tent city where many pilgrims spent Tuesday night.

After sunset on Wednesday they will move to Muzdalifah. There they will gather pebbles for a symbolic stoning of the devil ritual on Thursday, which is also the Eid Al-Adha feast of sacrifice marked by the world’s more than 1.5 billion Muslims. (T/Imt/R04)

Mi’raj  Islamic News Agency (MINA)