Thousands of Muslim pilgrims gathered on Mount Arafat on Tuesday for the spiritual climax of the annual hajj pilgrimage, praying under intense desert temperatures near the holy city of Mecca.
Worshippers dressed in white robes recited Quranic verses on the historic hill where Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final sermon.
Volunteers distributed water, food, and parasols to pilgrims as Saudi authorities intensified efforts to manage the massive crowds and extreme weather conditions.
More than 1.5 million pilgrims are participating in this year’s hajj, despite tensions in the Middle East following recent regional conflicts.
The hajj remains one of the five pillars of Islam and is expected to be performed at least once in a lifetime by Muslims who are physically and financially able.
