Millions of Muslim pilgrims from all around the world packed onto a rocky landscape outside of Mecca for the apex of the annual hajj pilgrimage.
The pilgrims packed onto the rocky landscape on Wednesday, many praying for peace in the Middle East countries ravaged by war and chaos as the annual hajj reached its climax.
About 2 million Muslims took part in the hajj this year.
For most them it was an emotional once-in-a-lifetime experience. For the pilgrims it is a chance to stand on the spot at Mount Arafat where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have given his final sermon.
The men were dressed in simple white terry cloth garments while the women in modest attire and unadorned by makeup wept in joy after making it to the site before dawn.
Hajj is a duty for all Muslims at least once in their lives if they can afford it, and for many of the faith's 1.6 billion adherents it represents a moment of supreme spiritual worth that was reflected in the joy expressed at Arafat.