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Nearly 3 million Muslims perform haj

* 100,000 security personnel deployed in, around Makkah, Madina, Jeddah

ISLAMABAD/MOUNT ARAFAT: Around three million Muslims from across the world on Thursday performed haj, one of the most sacred and cherished religious obligations in Islam, at the holy Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

They converged in Makkah wearing Ahram, the obligatory dress, praying and reciting verses from the holy Quran. Pakistan Television and other local and international TV channels broadcast live transmission from Makkah covering haj rituals, including the pilgrims’ stay at Mount Arafat, haj sermons and the Zohr and Asr prayers. Saudi Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh delivered the haj sermon from Masjid-e-Nimra, after which, the pilgrims offered combined Zohr and Asr prayers. People had filled the plain of Arafat from the early hours of the day as around three million pilgrims took part in the pilgrimage. After Wednesday’s sudden downpours, the pilgrims held umbrellas against the scorching heat while travelling to Mount Arafat, AP reported.

Throughout the day, the faithful climbed up the mountain, and prayed to God for mercy in what Muslims consider the spiritual high point of the pilgrimage.

Later, some pilgrims reached Jabalul Rahmat, located in the southeast of the plain and at the foot of which the Holy Prophet (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon to around 124,000 Muslims.

Security: Saudi Arabia has deployed around 100,000 security personnel in and around Makkah, Madina and Jeddah for the pilgrimage. The forces monitored thousands of CCTV cameras, including 1,852 in and around Masjid-e-Nabvi and 600 at the Jamrat Bridge where pilgrims would stone the devil over three days, starting today (Friday). agencies

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