"O nation of Islam, the military, ideological, economic and media-related campaigns are led against Islam and our nation qualified as terrorist," Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh told some two million faithful gathered for the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage on Mount Arafat, near Makkah.

The sermon in the Namera mosque on Arafat, a small plain some 250 metres (800 feet) above sea level and surrounded by high mountains, was broadcast over loudspeakers to the camps of pilgrims in the area.

"Muslims are also qualified as backward, violators of human rights and freedom, yet Islam is a religion of justice, equity and rights," he said.

The mufti also denounced the "false slogans of defence of the rights of men used as a pretext to exploit the (Islamic) nation and control it" and called on Muslims to "rally around their leaders to preserve the interests of the nation."

"Don't become a tool in the hands of your enemies and let them attack your nation," the mufti said, warning Muslim leaders against plans by "the enemies of Islam who want to divide us and provoke conflict" between Muslims.

"Kowtowing to the enemy does not resolve the problems of the nation," he added.

From sunrise, convoys of more than 20,000 buses carried the pilgrims from Mina valley where they spent the night in a city of tents.

The faithful -- men clad in a two-piece seamless white cloth, the women covered except for the hands and face -- spend the day praying for forgiveness and beseeching Allah for success in a symbolic enactment of the Final Judgement at the scene of the Prophet Mohammed's last sermon 14 centuries ago.

Tens of thousands then gathered for prayers in the Namera mosque on Arafat, a small plain some 250 metres (800 feet) above sea level and surrounded by high mountains from all directions.

"Here I am, Allah, answering your call, here I am," the pilgrims chanted as they approached Mount Arafat.

Despite warnings from the Saudi religious authorities, the more zealous climbed up the 70-metre (230-foot) high Mount of Mercy (Jabal Al-Rahma) where pilgrims pray for mercy in a symbolic re-enactment of the Prophet's only pilgrimage.

TSUNAMI VICTIMS

Most pilgrims said they were asking Allah for forgiveness and a better future. But among the personal requests were prayers for the nations ravaged by tsunami disaster, which killed 175,000 people, mainly Muslims.

"I am praying to Allah to avert the disasters that are happening to Muslims," said Ethiopian pilgrim Fouad Amin yesterday.

"We are praying for them in Indonesia and elsewhere," added Pakistani Asef Iqbal.

Saudi Arabia has cranked up its largest security operation for the ritual, a once in a lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim, fearing attacks or deadly stampedes like one last year that killed 250 people.

"Being at Arafat is the essence of Hajj," said Khaled Amal, a Burmese who has spent all his life in Saudi Arabia.

About 50,000 police and 7,000 special forces have deployed around Mecca to prevent stampedes, protests or attacks. So far, no major incidents have marred the ritual.

The pilgrims will return to Makkah today, the first day of Eid Al-Azha.

Most will sacrifice an animal, generally a sheep.

On Friday and Saturday, they will return to Mina to stone the "jamarat", or three pillars symbolising the devil.