Muslim Pilgrims endure the scorching heat of Saudi Arabia at the height of the Hajj
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Muslim pilgrims from around the world gathered at Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the second official day of the annual Muslim pilgrimage, considered the highlight of the Hajj.
Pilgrims brave the scorching heat to gather on the rocky hill and surrounding plain to pray deep prayers that often mark a spiritual high.
Often, they murmur prayers and pour out their hearts in supplications, asking for forgiveness, mercy, blessings and good health from God. It is common for many pilgrims on that day to raise their hands in prayer, shedding tears.
Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is required once in the life of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to perform it.
For pilgrims, the Hajj, which is performed over several days, can be a moving spiritual experience and an opportunity to seek God's forgiveness and forgiveness of past sins. Facing extreme heat to perform religious rituals, many pilgrims used umbrellas for shade.
A Saudi official on Friday said that more than 1.5 million pilgrims arrived in the country from abroad.
This year, Muslims have been flocking to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj against the backdrop of the end of the war in Iran and related uncertainty in the region.
'Once in a lifetime'
For many, performing Hajj can be the fulfillment of a lifelong dream as they spend years hoping and praying that one day they will be able to make the pilgrimage or save money and wait for permission to make the pilgrimage.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Mohammad Asal, an Egyptian tourist.
“The people here prepared their prayers, hoping that God will answer them, because we know that … the most important tradition of Hajj is in Arafat.”
The Hajj brings together a large number of Muslims of various races, ethnicities, languages and socio-economic classes, creating a sense of unity among many.
It is a collective, communal experience, where Muslims practice rituals together. But it is also deeply personal, as every traveler brings his own desires and experiences.
“Our wishes are many,” said Mohammad Obaid, a pilgrim from Sudan, who was praying for Sudan and Muslims everywhere.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiating a deal with Iran “could take several days” after the US military launched strikes in southern Iran against targets, including boats trying to lay mines and missile sites.
