Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Hajj Pilgrims Start Ascent of Mount Arafat VOA News 15 November 2010 Muslim pilgrims pray outside Namira mosque in Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 15 Nov 2010. Photo: APA Muslim pilgrims pray outside Namira mosque in Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 15 Nov 2010. The annual Islamic pilgrimage draws 2,5 million visitors each year, making it the largest yearly gathering of people in the world. Nearly 3 million Muslims are making their ascent of Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. White-robed pilgrims began the climb up the desert hill Monday for a day of prayer and reflection. Mount Arafat is where the Prophet Muhammad gave his last sermon 14 centuries ago.  The pilgrims will travel on to Muzdalifah before returning to Mina on Tuesday for the "stoning of the devil" - the ritual casting of stones at three pillars in symbolic renunciation of the devil. The pilgrims are traveling by foot, public transportation and private cars. This year sees the opening of the first phase of a train project intended to ease congestion on the Saudi roadways. The Chinese-built elevated light-rail will operate at about a third of its expected eventual capacity. As in years past, security is a concern. Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef has said the government is not ruling out an al-Qaida attack. But on Sunday, al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) denied any intention of targeting this year's Hajj. The Hajj is one of Islam's five obligations, one which every Muslim must fulfill, if possible, during his or her lifetime. Many Muslims believe that their journey to Mecca absolves them of their sins. Some information for this report was provided by AP. .