Millions Climb Mt. Arafat during Hajj Pilgrimage

On the second day of the annual hajj pilgrimage for Muslims, nearly three million worshippers began the climb up Mount Arafat this morning, answering their God's call.

Yesterday, the men began the pilgrimage by donning an ihram, a garment consisting of two sheets of white unhemmed cloth designed to show equality between all Muslims, and circling seven times around the Kaaba, Islam's most holy site.

Today, the white-robed pilgrims began their ascent at the crack of dawn, covering the Mountain of Mercy at Arafat in an endless sea of white as their chants "Labyek Allah," or "Here I am, God, answering your calling," reverberated overhead, the Associated Press reports.

Despite the record number of pilgrims this year, the Saudi Press Agency reports no incidents of stampedes or other dangers thus far that have plagued hajj's past. Most violence has occurred during the hajj's last day, during a symbolic stoning ritual that forces hundreds of thousands into a small space.

The climb at Arafat is one of the cornerstones of the pilgrimage, which is required from every able-bodied Muslim at least once in their life time. It's the site where Islam's Prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon and Muslims believe on this day the doors of heavens open to answer prayers and grant forgiveness.

As they began their climb from the tent-city in the valley, many of the pilgrims looked tired from lack of sleep, having spent the entire night praying. Charities and vendors along the way handed out food packages and umbrellas to shield the climbers from the harsh sun.

One of the pilgrims, Wassim Ahmad, from Mumbai, India, said this was his first hajj and that he felt like a child, reborn.

"Today is like judgment day," said the 29-year-old. "We have come to pray to God ... a new child has been born."

Alone and obviously on her first hajj, 46-year-old Egyptian, Um Sayed, kept asking people for directions.

"There is nothing greater than feeling that you are going to meet God," she said. "The whole body shivers."

Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa are the three stops on the pilgrims' journey during the hajj, as worshippers trace the steps of Prophet Muhammad.
The hajj draws millions of worshippers each year to the southwestern Saudi Arabian cities of Mecca and Medina, often resulting in deadly stampedes, fires and disease.

This year Saudi authorities have taken new measures to improve crowd management, including launching a new light-rail system to transport pilgrims between the shrines. There is even a new official website for hajj news and information.