Muslim pilgrims from around the world converged on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the second official day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, considered its spiritual pinnacle.
Prayers and Worship on Arafat
Despite sweltering heat, pilgrims gathered on the rocky hill and surrounding plains for intense prayers. Many raised their hands in worship, tears streaming, as they sought forgiveness, mercy, blessings, and good health from God.
Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is required once in a lifetime for every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able. For pilgrims, it is a deeply moving spiritual experience and a chance to seek God's forgiveness and erasure of past sins.
Regional Context
This year, Muslims have been pouring into Saudi Arabia for Hajj against the backdrop of a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war and related regional uncertainty. The pilgrimage continues as a powerful expression of faith and unity.
This article was produced with support from the Associated Press religion coverage collaboration with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
