Over two million Muslims performs Haj

The thrust of his address was on Islam's moderation and tolerance as well as the religion's unequivocal position against extremism and terrorism. The Mufti had earlier said that the dreaded militant groups -- Islamic State and al Qaeda -- were "enemy number one of Islam" and not in any way part of the faith. He asked Muslims to assume leadership roles at all levels of life -- at family, national and international level. Hundreds of thousands of people prayed together here combining the afternoon and evening prayers as they move to Muzdalifa at sunset. Even intense heat could not dampen the enthusiasm of the pilgrims, some of whom took shelter under trees while others braved the sun but continued to pray and ask God for forgiveness. The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam that should be performed at least once in lifetime by every Muslim who is financially and physically capable. Emotional scenes were witnessed here in Arafat as many were in tears while others continued to thank God for making this journey possible for them.