Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Vast crowds of Muslim pilgrims, all dressed in white, flocked from early Monday to Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia’s west to take part in the main rituals of the annual hajj.

Many pilgrims had camped overnight in the sprawling plain surrounding Mount Arafat but the majority began arriving at dawn.

More than million and half Muslim pilgrims started the first phase of the annual haj on Sunday, traveling through packed streets from Mecca’s Grand Mosque to the enormous camp at Mina just outside the Saudi Arabian city.


After dawn prayers, pilgrims headed to the small hill in Arafat plain named the “Mount of Mercy” as others made themselves comfortable between its huge rocks. Many prayed, tears streaming down their faces.

It is at the foot of the hill where the Muslim Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final hajj sermon before his death.