AP PHOTOS: Muslims come together for pinnacle of hajj

MOSA'AB ELSHAMY, Associated Press

MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia (AP) — From all around the world and after years of saving, Muslim pilgrims packed onto a rocky landscape outside of Mecca on Wednesday for the apex of the annual hajj pilgrimage.

For most, it was an emotional once-in-a-lifetime experience — a chance to stand on the spot at Mount Arafat, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Mecca, where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have given his final sermon.

Men dressed in simple white terry cloth garments and women in modest attire and unadorned by makeup wept in joy after making it to the site before dawn.

The faithful believe that prayer here on this day is a chance for rebirth, an opportunity to wipe past sins clean.

Some captured the moment on their phones, a precious memento to share with relatives back home who one day hope to make the hajj journey — a duty of all able-bodied Muslims.

As the day progressed, pilgrims made their way to the Arafat valley's Namira mosque, following the path of the Prophet Muhammad in offering midday and late afternoon prayers.

This year's five-day hajj pilgrimage began Tuesday. About 2 million Muslims are taking part.

Here is a series of images by Associated Press photographer Mosa'ab Elshamy of pilgrims taking part in the hajj in Saudi Arabia.

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Muslim pilgrims pray on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy

Muslim pilgrims gather on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy

A Muslim pilgrim writes down his name and his prayers on a white pillar atop the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

A Muslim pilgrim couple take a selfie on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

A pilgrim carries her son while she prays on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 during the hajj pilgrimage. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy

A pilgrim reads the Muslim holy book, the Quran, on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 during the hajj pilgrimage. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Muslim pilgrims pray underneath a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 during the hajj pilgrimage. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy

Muslim pilgrims pray on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 during the hajj pilgrimage. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy

Muslim pilgrims pray on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 during the hajj pilgrimage. The faithful believe that prayer here on this day is a chance for rebirth, an opportunity to wipe past sins clean. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Muslim pilgrims pray on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 during the hajj pilgrimage. For most, it is an emotional once-in-a-lifetime experience_ a chance to stand on the spot at Mount Arafat, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Mecca, where Muslims believe Islam's Prophet Muhammad gave his final sermon.(AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Muslim pilgrims pray on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 during the hajj pilgrimage. This year’s five-day hajj pilgrimage began Tuesday. About 2 million Muslims are taking part. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

A Muslim pilgrim prays on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 during the hajj pilgrimage. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy

Muslim pilgrims pray on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015. The faithful believe that prayer here on this day is a chance for rebirth, an opportunity to wipe past sins clean.(AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Muslim pilgrims climb a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 during the hajj pilgrimage. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)