More than 2.5 million pilgrims to perform Hajj today

More than 2.5 million pilgrims have gathered in Arafat to perform Hajj today (Saturday).

Main rites of Hajj have been started from Friday (8th of Dhul Hijja). Pilgrims gathered in Mina, around five kilometres (three miles) east of the holy mosque.On the 9th of Dhul Hijja (today), is the climax of the hajj season as all pilgrims have been gathered on the Mount Arafat and its surrounding plain. Pilgrims will stay at Arafat until the evening reciting from the Holy Quran and praying. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is believed to have delivered his final hajj sermon on Mount Arafat. After sunset, pilgrims will leave for Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and Mina, where they will stay at least until midnight. They will gather pebbles in Muzdalifah to perform the symbolic “stoning of the devil.”After dawn prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, or the Eid Al-Adha feast, pilgrims will head back to Mina. The first of three stoning rites, known as Jamarat al-Aqabah, begins after sunrise. Traditionally, seven pebbles are thrown at a post representing the devil. Since 2004 it has been replaced by walls to accommodate the rising numbers of pilgrims.Having done with the first stoning, pilgrims can proceed to offer sacrifice. This rite is to emulate Hazrat Ibrahim who prepared to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ishmael on the order of God, who provided a lamb in the boy’s place at the last moment.Following the sacrifice, men shave their heads or just trim their hair. Women cut a fingertip-length of their hair. They can then end their Ihram and change into their usual clothing.Pilgrims then will head to the holy site in Makkah, perform Tawaf al-Efadha, circumambulating seven times around the Kaaba, then perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah. With that pilgrims will completely rites of Hajj