Pilgrims ascend Mount Arafat as hajj rituals peak

About 1.5 million pilgrims coming from all corners of the world flocked on Sunday to Mount Arafat where Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon, asking for God's forgiveness and mercy.

Chanting "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik", white-clad pilgrims proceeded to Arafat Mount on foot or by bus or train. 

There are about 63,000 Egyptians among this year's pilgrims.

The Chinese-built Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro (Metro Mecca), which is now in service, ferried pilgrims from the white tent city of Mina to Arafat Mount where they will spend the day till sunset.

For security reasons, pilgrims have been given electronic bracelets storing personal and medical information that will help authorities provide care and identify people.

From Mount Arafat, pilgrims will move to Muzdalifah, where they will collect pebbles to be tossed at three stones representing Satan.

Following the stoning, pilgrims will sacrifice animals on the first day of Eidul Adha, joining millions of other Muslims around the world.

The Hajj is one the five major pillars, or tenets, of Islam that followers of the religion must abide by.

Source: MENA