1.8 million Muslim pilgrims head to Mount Arafat in western Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj pilgrimage ▪️ ⁠Gathering at Mount Arafat, known as Hill of Mercy, is

1.8 million Muslim pilgrims head to Mount Arafat in western Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj pilgrimage ▪️ ⁠Gathering at Mount Arafat, known as Hill of Mercy, is regarded as the pinnacle of the annual Muslim ritual ▪️ ⁠Six-day Hajj season officially began Monday with pilgrims arriving in Mina amid extensive security measures by Saudi authorities ▪️ ⁠It also includes overnight stays in Muzdalifah, symbolic stoning ritual and farewell circumambulation at Grand Mosque in Mecca