Muslim pilgrims at Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat, where millions gathered during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca yesterday.

Many were praying for peace in the Middle East countries ravaged by war and chaos, as the annual haj reached its climax.

The rocky areas of Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah, a few kilometres east of Mecca, are the main sites of the haj, which culminates with today's Eid al-Adha holiday.

Later yesterday, the pilgrims descended to the plain of Muzdalifah, where they collected pebbles to "stone the devil" at a rite today.

• The Prime Minister wishes all Muslims Selamat Hari Raya Haji
• The StraitsTimes wishes allMuslim readers Selamat HariRaya Haji.