Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat as haj reaches peak
Muslim pilgrims gathered on Mount Arafat on May 26, marking the peak of the haj pilgrimage. Despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, over 1.5 million people participated in this year's event. Saudi authorities reported an increase in foreign pilgrims compared to the previous year, even as temperatures soared to 44 degrees Celsius.
- ▪Thousands of white-robed worshippers recited Quranic verses on Mount Arafat.
- ▪More than 1.5 million people have joined the haj in 2026 despite regional conflicts.
- ▪Saudi officials noted an increase in pilgrims from abroad compared to 2025.
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Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat as haj reaches peakSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxMuslim pilgrims gather at Mount of Mercy on the plain of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 26, 2026, 02:08 PMUpdated May 26, 2026, 02:08 PMMOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia - Huge numbers of Muslims prayed on Mount Arafat on May 26 at the climax of the haj pilgrimage, as a punishing desert sun sent temperatures soaring towards 40 deg C.From daybreak, thousands of white-robed worshippers recited Quranic verses on the 70m rocky hill near Mecca, where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his last sermon.More than 1.5 million people have joined the haj in 2026 despite the shadow of war across the Middle…
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