Haj pilgrims perform the ‘wukuf’ at Arafah

Pilgrims pray on Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafah in the early morning during the peak of the annual haj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca October 25, 2012. — Reuters pic

MECCA, Oct 25 — The 28,000 Malaysian pilgrims are among the millions of haj pilgrims from all over the world converging at the Arafah plains for the “wukuf” (grand assembly), the pinnacle of the haj rituals.

The haj pilgrims are heading for Arafah which has been transformed into the largest tent city in the world.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom read the sermon before the Zohor prayers at 12.05pm here and subsequently led the congregation for the Zohor prayers at the tent for Malaysian haj pilgrims.

The open area at the Arafah plains has been divided into several zones for countries that have sent their pilgrims and among the largest tent settlements are those belonging to Turkey, Iran, Indonesia, Pakistan and Egypt.

The haj pilgrims will perform the stoning of the devils on the 11th, 12th and 13th day of the Muslim month of Zulhijjah. — Bernama