Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat as hajj reaches apex

https://www.npr.org/2022/07/08/ [login to see] /muslim-pilgrims-pray-at-mount-arafat-as-hajj-reaches-apex
Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims from around the world raised their hands to heaven and offered prayers of repentance on the sacred hill of Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia on Friday, an intense day of worship considered to be the climax of the annual hajj.

Multitudes stood shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet, for the emotional day of supplication in the desert valley where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon, calling for equality and unity among Muslims.

The experience sent many pilgrims to tears. Muslims believe prayer on this day at Mount Arafat, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of the holy city of Mecca, is their best chance at salvation and spiritual renewal. The pilgrims set out for Arafat before dawn, chanting as they trekked. They remain there until nightfall in deep contemplation and worship.

"I feel I am so close to God," said Zakaria Mohammad, an Egyptian pilgrim praying as the sky brightened over the hilltop. "He gave me such joy. This is my feeling now — joy, great joy."