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Hajj pilgrims gather for prayer Hajj approaches spiritual climax
(about 6 hours later)
Millions of Muslims are gathering in the plains by Mount Arafat for the most important day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. More than two million Muslims have taken part in a prayer ceremony on Mount Arafat - one of the main events in the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
They are expected to fall silent in prayer before hearing a sermon modelled on one given by the Prophet Mohammad at the same site 1,400 years ago. The pilgrims will also hear a sermon modelled on the one the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have given at the site about 1,400 years ago.
The BBC's Razia Iqbal says the ritual forms the spiritual climax of the Hajj. The ritual forms the spiritual climax of the Hajj.
New safety measures have been added to the Hajj, aimed at preventing stampedes that have killed hundreds previously.New safety measures have been added to the Hajj, aimed at preventing stampedes that have killed hundreds previously.
In January, almost 400 people were killed and some 300 injured in a stampede during one of the rituals.In January, almost 400 people were killed and some 300 injured in a stampede during one of the rituals.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is due to end on Monday.The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is due to end on Monday.
It is an obligation for all Muslims to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime, if they are physically and financially able.It is an obligation for all Muslims to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime, if they are physically and financially able.
Desert heat White robes
The Prophet Mohammad is believed to have given his last sermon at the site of Mount Arafat. The Prophet Muhammad is believed to have given his last sermon at the site of Mount Arafat.
One of the major themes of that sermon was equality between men and women and rich and poor.One of the major themes of that sermon was equality between men and women and rich and poor.
The pilgrims will wear identical white dress, in scenes that are meant to be a reminder of the day of judgement. The pilgrims are clad in identical white robes in scenes that are meant to symbolise the day of judgement.
They are expected to stand together as the desert temperature soars throughout the afternoon.
At the end of the day, thought to be one of the most important in any Muslim's life, pilgrims believe their sins will be absolved.At the end of the day, thought to be one of the most important in any Muslim's life, pilgrims believe their sins will be absolved.
Security measuresSecurity measures
On Thursday morning, pilgrims from more than 70 countries made the short journey from Mecca to the tented city of Mina 5km (three miles), which will be their home for the next four days, and from where they perform the rituals of Hajj, marking the re-enactment of the trials of Abraham. On Thursday morning, pilgrims from more than 70 countries made the short journey from Mecca to the tented city of Mina five km (three miles) away, which will be their home for the next four days, and from where they perform the rituals of Hajj, marking the re-enactment of the trials of Abraham.
HAJJ DISASTERS 2006: 345 die in a crush during a stone-throwing ritual2004: 251 trampled to death in stampede2003: 14 are crushed to death 2001: 35 die in stampede1998: At least 118 trampled to death1997: 343 pilgrims die and 1,500 injured in fire1994: 270 killed in stampede1990: 1,426 pilgrims killed in tunnel leading to holy sites1987: 400 die as Saudi authorities confront pro-Iranian demonstration What is the Hajj? Deadly history of the HajjHAJJ DISASTERS 2006: 345 die in a crush during a stone-throwing ritual2004: 251 trampled to death in stampede2003: 14 are crushed to death 2001: 35 die in stampede1998: At least 118 trampled to death1997: 343 pilgrims die and 1,500 injured in fire1994: 270 killed in stampede1990: 1,426 pilgrims killed in tunnel leading to holy sites1987: 400 die as Saudi authorities confront pro-Iranian demonstration What is the Hajj? Deadly history of the Hajj
Before the pilgrims complete the Hajj they must walk seven times round the Kaaba (a cube-like building in the centre of the city's Great Mosque) in an anti-clockwise direction.Before the pilgrims complete the Hajj they must walk seven times round the Kaaba (a cube-like building in the centre of the city's Great Mosque) in an anti-clockwise direction.
The Saudi authorities are imposing a strict quota system to try to keep the number of foreign visitors to a manageable level.The Saudi authorities are imposing a strict quota system to try to keep the number of foreign visitors to a manageable level.
At the last Hajj, earlier this year, at least 345 pilgrims died in a crush during the stone-throwing ritual of the pilgrimage.At the last Hajj, earlier this year, at least 345 pilgrims died in a crush during the stone-throwing ritual of the pilgrimage.
The stampede took place at the foot of the bridge of Jamarat, in Mina, where pilgrims hurl stones at three pillars representing the spot where the devil is said to have appeared to Abraham, and which creates a dangerous bottleneck.The stampede took place at the foot of the bridge of Jamarat, in Mina, where pilgrims hurl stones at three pillars representing the spot where the devil is said to have appeared to Abraham, and which creates a dangerous bottleneck.
Since then a major rebuilding project has been undertaken and 50,000 security personnel have been mobilised.Since then a major rebuilding project has been undertaken and 50,000 security personnel have been mobilised.
The ritual has seen many lethal stampedes, but the number of dead in January was the highest in 16 years.The ritual has seen many lethal stampedes, but the number of dead in January was the highest in 16 years.
Pilgrims at the current Hajj are expected to take part in the ritual on Saturday.
Are you on your way to Mina? Tell us your stories - and send your photos to yourpics@bbc.co.ukAre you on your way to Mina? Tell us your stories - and send your photos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk
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