Millions of Muslims from around the world gathered in the sacred city of Makkah's Arafat plain for the Hajj pilgrimage on Tuesday, chanting 'Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik' in devotion to the Almighty Allah.
According to AP, over 1.5 million pilgrims from various corners of the world performed the sacred Hajj with the fervent desire for atonement and spiritual purification. They departed from Mina after sunrise towards the Arafat plain, their voices united in the declaration of their one Lord, 'Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik'.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, obligatory for financially and physically capable men and women. The standing at Arafat on the 9th of Zilhajj is one of the principal acts of Hajj. Pilgrims gather at the plain, some praying near the mountain, others in convenient spots, and some attending the sermon at Masjid-e-Namirah.
After the sermon, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah at sunset. They spend the night in the open, following the tradition of Prophet Adam and Eve. In Muzdalifah, they collect 70 stones to pelt at the three Jamarat pillars in Mina over the next three days.
Following the stoning, pilgrims perform the sacrifice (Qurbani) and men shave their heads. They then spend two days in Mina, performing daily rituals at the Jamarat. The Hajj concludes with the farewell Tawaf in Makkah, after which pilgrims return to their home countries. Those who have not visited Madinah proceed there.
