MASS GATHERING:
Some two million Muslim pilgrims gathered yesterday on the plains of Arafat, in Saudi Arabia, for a day of prayer that marks the pinnacle of the annual Hajj. Pilgrims stood shoulder to shoulder for an emotional day of repentance and supplication at the site Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon, calling for equality and for Muslims to unite. The prayer on this day at the Mount of Mercy, about 20km east of Mecca, is the best chance to erase past sins and start anew.