, May 26 -- More than 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims assembled Tuesday at the Plain of Arafat for the most significant spiritual stage of the Hajj pilgrimage, according to reports from the Saudi Press Agency.

Beginning at dawn on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, worshippers made their way to Arafat, where they devoted the day to prayer, reciting the Qur'an, remembering God and offering supplications. Pilgrims remained within the sacred boundaries of the site until sunset.

Known in Islamic tradition as the core ritual of Hajj, the gathering at Arafat - called Wuquf Arafah - is regarded as the pilgrimage's defining moment. Prophet Muhammad emphasized its importance by stating, "Hajj is Arafah."

Religious scholars describe the occasion as one o...