ABOUT TWO MILLION MUSLIMS ARE GATERING NEAR SAUDI ARABIA'S MECCA FOR THE PEAK DAY OF THE ANNUAL HAJJ PILGRIMAGE.

Noura Sulieman, a pilgrim from the philippine, said she had been to the Hajj several times before and was praying for her family.

"I came here to Arafat to pray for my family, for my daughter, and my son, and all my family, and all the Philippine Muslims, and all Muslims in all countries," she said. "God willing, Allah.

Worshippers visit Mount Arafat at dawn and are expected to spend the day in supplication.

Mount Arafat is believed to be the Mount of mercy, where muslims believe Prophet Muhammed delivered his final sermon more than 1,400 years ago.

In his sermon, the prophet is believed to have called on his followers to repay their debts, beware of Satan, perform five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan and give to charity.

He also called on those with the means to do so to perform the Hajj once in a lifetime and reminded worshippers of women's rights.