Waqf al Arafa, which translates to the Day of the Standing, is the holiest day of the Islamic Hijri lunar year, the second day of the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.  Before noon on this day, Muslim pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat in Saudi Arabia to take their stand of faith before God.  Those belonging to the Islamic faith are required to perform this ritual and the entire pilgrimage once in their lifetime, if they are able.