MECCA — Muslim pilgrims gathered at Saudi Arabia’s Mount Arafat on Monday in the high point of this year’s hajj, being held in downsized form and under coronavirus restrictions for the second year running.
Just 60,000 people, all citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia, have been selected to take part in this year’s hajj, with foreign pilgrims again barred.
The mask-clad faithful, who had spent the night in camps in the Valley of Mina, converged on Mount Arafatwhere it is believed the Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon, for the most important of the hajj rituals.
After noon prayers, worshippers traditionally ascend the 70-meter (230-foot) high hill and its …
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