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Muslims gather at Mount Arafah for Hajj pinnacle

Muslims gather at the valley of Mount Arafah to mark the most important ritual of the Hajj pilgrimage.

From where Muslims hope their prayers will be answered [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia reaches its pinnacle on the Day of Arafah [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
By Basma Atassi
Published On 23 Sep 2015

The Day of Arafah is considered one of the most important days, not only of the Hajj pilgrimage, but of the Islamic calendar.

Almost two million Muslims performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia have flocked into the valley of Mount Arafah to mark the most important day of the pilgrimage.

The 70-metre hill is where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have given his final sermon about 1,400 years ago.

Related: Hajj in real-time 

Pilgrims spend the day praying at the site, and Muslims believe prayers in Arafah are answered and sins are cleansed.

Many Muslims who do not take part in the Hajj pilgrimage choose to mark the day by fasting and performing extra prayers.

From where Muslims hope their prayers will be answered [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
For many, Hajj is the highlight of their spiritual lives [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
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From where Muslims hope their prayers will be answered [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
Pilgrims spend the day praying. Muslims believe prayers in Arafah are answered and sins are cleansed [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
From where Muslims hope their prayers will be answered [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
Islam requires all able-bodied Muslims, who can afford it, to perform the Hajj once in a lifetime [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
From where Muslims hope their prayers will be answered [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
Arafah is where prophet Muhammad delivered his final 'farewell' sermon [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
From where Muslims hope their prayers will be answered [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
Saudi police officers sprinkle water on pilgrims amid searing heat in Arafah [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
From where Muslims hope their prayers will be answered [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
Police struggle to contain the crowds as hundreds of thousands gather at the Mount of Arafah [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
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From where Muslims hope their prayers will be answered [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]
People come from all over the world to Mecca to perform the pilgrimage [Basma Atassi/Al Jazeera]