Hajj at high point a year after deadly stampede

Mount Arafat (Saudi Arabia), Sep 11 (AFP) The annual hajjreached its high point today when Muslims from across theworld converged on a stoney hill in Saudi Arabia, a year afterthe worst tragedy in the pilgrimage’s history. More than 1.8 million gathered from sunrise at the hilland a vast surrounding plain known as Mount Arafat, about 15kilometres from Mecca. Against a backdrop of distant, higher peaks, theysquatted, stood, or climbed steps built into the hill whilereciting ritual incantations. They will spend the most important day of the hajj inprayer and reading from the Koran. Arafat is the site where Muslims believe the ProphetMohammed gave his last sermon about 14 centuries ago afterleading his followers on the pilgrimage. A non-stop flow disembarked from 18,000 buses whichauthorities have mobilised. Others came on a Chinese-builtyellow and green train which connects the holy sites. Under multicoloured parasols to protect against theburning sun, the mass of people moved through broadsurrounding streets which are closed to traffic. "It’s the most beautiful moment of my life," a smilingAhmed Salman, an Egyptian accountant, said. "I am in the most beautiful place in the world, wheremore than one billion Muslims around the world dream ofbeing." Around him, dozens of pilgrims chanted a traditional hajjincantation, "God, here I am." From a distance, the hill appeared a snowy white from theseamless two-piece white garment, ihram, worn by malepilgrims. It symbolises a state of purity and emphasises theirunity regardless of social status or nationality. Pilgrims come from every corner of the globe, butIndonesia — the most populous Muslim nation — has thelargest contingent. MORE AFPAJR