MECCA: Around 2.5 million Muslims from across the world, including 1,75,000 Indians, congregated at Arafat, a 35-minute drive from Mecca. The massive congregation of pilgrims spent the day in prayers and repentance as part of rituals of the Haj pilgrimage.

" It is Muslims' belief that prayers done at Arafat are definitely answered. Today is a big day for all Haj pilgrims," said septuagenarian Yusuf Ahmed Khereda, who owns Al Khalid Tours and Travels in India. F or the pilgrims, especially those performing Haj the first time, it is a dream come true. Mumbai-based Mehboob Hunvekar, who has come with three members of his family, grew emotional while describing his feelings. "I feel immensely fortunate to be here on this blessed day," he said.

T he highlight of the vigil at Arafat was the sermon delivered by Sheikh Hussein bin Abdelaziz Al-Sheikh, the imam of the Prophet's mosque in Medina. The senior cleric emphasised the need for global peace and the responsibility of Muslims to help establish and promote peace. The Arabic sermon was translated into eight languages, including English, Persian and Urdu. It is here, at Jabl-e-Rahma, or Mount of Peace, that the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon.

