00:00Muslims from around the world congregated on Saturday at Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia
00:08for intense day-long worship and reflection.
00:11This sacred hill, known as the Hill of Mercy, is the focal point of the Hajj pilgrimage
00:16and holds immense significance for the faithful.
00:20Located about 20 kilometers southeast of Mecca, Mount Arafat is believed to be the site where
00:25Prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon 1,435 years ago.
00:31In this final speech, he emphasized equality and unity among Muslims, messages that resonate
00:37deeply during the pilgrimage.
00:40The ritual at Mount Arafat is often the most memorable part of Hajj for many pilgrims as
00:45they ask God for mercy, blessings, prosperity, and good health.
00:51The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the largest religious gatherings on earth and is one
00:55of the five pillars of Islam.
00:58Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to undertake this five-day
01:02journey at least once in their lifetime.
01:05The official rituals of Hajj began on Friday when pilgrims moved from Mecca's Grand Mosque
01:10to Mina, a desert plain just outside the city.
01:14This year, Saudi authorities expect the number of pilgrims to exceed two million, approaching
01:19pre-pandemic levels.
01:22The rituals of Hajj largely commemorate the Quranic accounts of Prophet Ibrahim, his son
01:27Prophet Ismail, and Ismail's mother, Hajar, figures also known in the Bible as Abraham
01:33and Ismail.
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