Hajj pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat - in pictures

  • Muslim pilgrims offer prayers at top of Mount Arafat during the Hajj. AP
    Muslim pilgrims offer prayers at top of Mount Arafat during the Hajj. AP
  • The Day of Arafat traditionally marks the high point of the Hajj. AP
    The Day of Arafat traditionally marks the high point of the Hajj. AP
  • Pilgrims assemble on the hill and its surrounding plain for hours of prayer and Quran recital. AP
    Pilgrims assemble on the hill and its surrounding plain for hours of prayer and Quran recital. AP
  • Cooling fans spray water over pilgrims. AP
    Cooling fans spray water over pilgrims. AP
  • Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat. Reuters
    Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat. Reuters
  • Pilgrims on their way to Mount Arafat. AFP
    Pilgrims on their way to Mount Arafat. AFP
  • People were up early on the Day of Arafat after Saudi Arabia's Minister for the Hajj advised them to avoid peak heat hours. AFP
    People were up early on the Day of Arafat after Saudi Arabia's Minister for the Hajj advised them to avoid peak heat hours. AFP
  • More than a million people converged on Makkah for the start of the annual pilgrimage on Wednesday. AFP
    More than a million people converged on Makkah for the start of the annual pilgrimage on Wednesday. AFP
  • Saudi security forces pray in Mina, near Makkah. AFP
    Saudi security forces pray in Mina, near Makkah. AFP
  • More pilgrims on their way to Mount Arafat. AFP
    More pilgrims on their way to Mount Arafat. AFP
  • For many Muslims, completing the Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. AFP
    For many Muslims, completing the Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. AFP