More than 1.6 million Muslims gathered on the Plain of Arafat on Tuesday for the most sacred stage of Hajj, spending the day in prayer, repentance, and spiritual reflection under intense desert heat.
WEBDESK – NJNEWSLINE
More than 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims assembled on the Plain of Arafat near Makkah on Tuesday for the holiest and most emotionally significant stage of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
From early morning, worshippers streamed into Arafat to perform Wuquf Arafah, the central rite of Hajj, dedicating the day to prayer, Qur’an recitation, supplication and seeking forgiveness.
Known as the spiritual climax of Hajj, the Day of Arafah holds immense significance in Islam. Prophet Muhammad famously declared, “Hajj is Arafah,” emphasizing the importance of the gathering.
Pilgrims raised their hands in prayer, recited Talbiyah and Takbeer, and reflected deeply in an atmosphere marked by devotion, humility, and unity.
At midday, religious scholars delivered the annual Arafah sermon, reminding pilgrims about the virtues of the holy day and the values of compassion, justice, and faith. Pilgrims later combined and shortened the Dhuhr and Asr prayers in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Many worshippers gathered around Jabal Al-Rahmah, also known as the Mount of Mercy, where pilgrims spent hours praying and reflecting. Islamic tradition associates the site with the reunion of Prophet Adam and Eve after their descent to Earth.
The Day of Arafah also commemorates the Farewell Pilgrimage of Prophet Muhammad in 632 AD, during which he delivered his final sermon emphasizing equality, justice, and the sanctity of human life and property.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia implemented extensive crowd-control and safety measures across the holy sites, deploying emergency response teams, medical staff, transportation services and cooling systems to protect pilgrims.
Health officials remained on high alert as temperatures exceeded 45 degrees Celsius, repeatedly urging pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Following sunset, pilgrims began their journey toward Muzdalifah, where they would spend the night in worship and prepare for the symbolic stoning ritual in Mina, the next major stage of Hajj.
