Muslims on hajj in Saudi start ascent of holy site
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 11/15/2010 2:44 PM
Nearly 3 million Muslims
gathered for the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia are making
their way up a rocky desert hill, chanting they have come to answer
God's call.
The white-robed pilgrims began their ascent of the Mountain of
Mercy at Arafat at dawn Monday.
The climb at Arafat is one of the cornerstones of the pilgrimage
that is required from every able-bodied Muslim at least once in
their life time. It's the site where Islam's Prophet Muhammad
delivered his farewell sermon. Muslims believe on this day the doors
of heavens open to answer prayers and grant forgiveness.
Saudi authorities have taken new measures to improve crowd
management at this hajj - including launching a new light-rail
system to transport pilgrims between the shrines.
