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A large crowd of Muslim pilgrims assembled on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia Tuesday, marking the spiritual peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. They prayed under the harsh desert sun as temperatures neared 40°C. Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East caused by the US-Israeli conflicts with Iran, more than 1.5 million devout Muslims participated in this year’s Hajj, one of Islam’s Five Pillars. Photos captured pilgrims gathered at the Mount of Mercy, outside the city of Mecca, with some seeking refuge from the heat near misting fans. The scenes show pilgrims raising their hands in prayer as dawn broke over the plain of Arafat, with many bringing shades, fans, and water to cope with the intense conditions. The event remains a testament to the resilience and devotion of millions making the sacred journey despite regional conflicts and extreme weather.




