Pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage - in pictures

  • Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat during the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage, southeast of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. EPA
    Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat during the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage, southeast of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. EPA
  • Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun as they gather outside Nimrah Mosque to offer the noon prayers in Arafat, on the second day of the annual hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. AP Photo
    Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun as they gather outside Nimrah Mosque to offer the noon prayers in Arafat, on the second day of the annual hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. AP Photo
  • Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat during the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage, southeast of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. EPA
    Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat during the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage, southeast of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. EPA
  • Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat during the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage, southeast of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. EPA
    Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat during the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage, southeast of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. EPA
  • Pilgrims gather at top of the rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. AP Photo
    Pilgrims gather at top of the rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. AP Photo
  • A Muslim pilgrim offers prayer at top of the known as the Mountain of Mercy. AP Photo
    A Muslim pilgrim offers prayer at top of the known as the Mountain of Mercy. AP Photo
  • Pilgrims gather at Mountain of Mercy on the plain of Arafat during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, outside the city of Makkah, on June 15, 2024. Reuters
    Pilgrims gather at Mountain of Mercy on the plain of Arafat during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, outside the city of Makkah, on June 15, 2024. Reuters
  • Pilgrims arrive from a day of prayer and reflection on the Mountain of Mercy. AP Photo
    Pilgrims arrive from a day of prayer and reflection on the Mountain of Mercy. AP Photo
  • Pilgrims gather at Mountain of Mercy as part of the annual Hajj to pray for the blessing of God. Reuters
    Pilgrims gather at Mountain of Mercy as part of the annual Hajj to pray for the blessing of God. Reuters
  • Officials in Saudi Arabia say that more that 1.5 million pilgrims arrived in Makkah last week to begin Hajj and they estimate that between 1.8 million and two million in total will have made the journey. Reuters
    Officials in Saudi Arabia say that more that 1.5 million pilgrims arrived in Makkah last week to begin Hajj and they estimate that between 1.8 million and two million in total will have made the journey. Reuters
  • The Mountain of Mercy, also referred to as Mount Arafat, is about 20km south-east of Makkah and is the place where the Prophet Mohammed delivered the Farewell Sermon to his followers. Reuters
    The Mountain of Mercy, also referred to as Mount Arafat, is about 20km south-east of Makkah and is the place where the Prophet Mohammed delivered the Farewell Sermon to his followers. Reuters
  • A young pilgrim at the Mountain of Mercy on the plain of Arafat. Reuters
    A young pilgrim at the Mountain of Mercy on the plain of Arafat. Reuters
  • The gathering at the Mountain of Mercy is a day of intense emotion and reflection for pilgrims. Reuters
    The gathering at the Mountain of Mercy is a day of intense emotion and reflection for pilgrims. Reuters
  • Pilgrims record their journey to the Mountain of Mercy for posterity. Reuters
    Pilgrims record their journey to the Mountain of Mercy for posterity. Reuters
  • The Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings on Earth. Reuters
    The Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings on Earth. Reuters
  • Pilgrims from all over the world travel to Mount Arafat, honouring the message of unity from the Prophet Mohammed in his sermon at the site. Reuters
    Pilgrims from all over the world travel to Mount Arafat, honouring the message of unity from the Prophet Mohammed in his sermon at the site. Reuters
  • Pilgrims gather in prayer at Mountain of Mercy. Reuters
    Pilgrims gather in prayer at Mountain of Mercy. Reuters
  • A pilgrim kneels in prayers at top the Mountain of Mercy, also referred to a Mount Arafat. AP Photo
    A pilgrim kneels in prayers at top the Mountain of Mercy, also referred to a Mount Arafat. AP Photo