Hajj pilgrims converge on Saudi Arabia's Mt. Arafat

DOHA, Qatar

Muslim pilgrims on Wednesday began arriving at Mount Arafat, located roughly 20 kilometers east of Makkah, to perform one of the most important parts of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Pilgrims will mark what is known as the “Day of Arafah” by performing prayers until sunset and asking God to forgive their sins.

This is done on Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon some 1,400 years ago on the ninth day of the month of Dhul Hijja, according to the lunar-based Muslim calendar.

The Day of Arafah is also significant for Muslims who are not on pilgrimage, many of whom choose to fast on the holy day.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, are providing security and medical facilities to pilgrims making the journey to the sacred site.

On Thursday, following the Day of Arafah, Muslims will begin celebrating the four-day Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of the Sacrifice”.