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Millions of Muslims gather on Mt. Arafat for climax of annual Hajj pilgrimage

Hajj pilgrims are pictured on Mt. Arafat in Saudi Arabia in this undated picture. (Photo: Handout)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Saturday, June 15, 2024

Dressed in white, worshippers began arriving at dawn for the most challenging day of the rituals, climbing the 70-metre hill where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final sermon.

More than 1.5 million Muslims gathered at Mt. Arafat on Saturday, enduring intense heat for the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Dressed in white, worshippers began arriving at dawn for the most challenging day of the rituals, climbing the 70-metre hill where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final sermon.

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The Saudi Press Agency reported that pilgrims marched to Arafat under extensive security measures, coordinated by personnel from multiple sectors who ensured smooth traffic flow and the safety of both vehicles and pedestrians.

Security teams secured routes, implemented transportation plans, and offered guidance to maintain the safety of the pilgrims.

Various government sectors provided numerous services in the Arafat area, including medical care, emergency assistance, and food to support the needs of pilgrims from around the world fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam.

Hajj pilgrims are pictured on Mt. Arafat in Saudi Arabia in this undated picture. (Photo: Handout)

Arafah falls on the ninth day of Dhu'l-Ḥijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. It marks the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah and its surrounding holy sites.

Muslims must perform this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime if they are able.

On the Day of 'Arafah, from just before noon until sunset, pilgrims dressed in the symbolic attire of ritual sanctity (iḥrâm) gather on the mountain of 'Arafât. Here, they perform the stand (wuqûf) of faith before God, seeking His mercy and forgiveness. This rite gives 'Arafah its other name, Yawm Al-Waqf, meaning the Day of Standing.

The scene is a vast crowd spread across the plain, with hands outstretched, pleading for God's acceptance of their repentance, forgiveness, and mercy. This moment symbolises humanity's standing before God on the Day of Judgement.

Saturday's temperatures were anticipated to reach 43 degrees Celsius, posing challenges for pilgrims arriving on Mt. Arafat after spending the night in a vast tent city in Mina, a valley near Mecca, Islam's holiest city.

Saudi authorities advised pilgrims to stay hydrated and shield themselves from the sun. Since men cannot wear hats, many carry umbrellas for protection.

A Saudi official informed AFP that more than 10,000 heat-related illnesses were recorded last year, 10 per cent being cases of heat stroke.

After Arafat, the pilgrims will head to Muzdalifah, where they will collect pebbles to carry out the "stoning of the devil" ritual in Mina on Sunday. They will then return to Mina for three days, a journey coinciding with the Eid Ul-Adha holiday.

In Kenya, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki declared Monday, June 17, a public holiday following the Eid-Ul-Adha break on Sunday.

During Eid, Muslims slaughter livestock and distribute the meat to the needy. After this, pilgrims return to Mecca for the final circumambulation, known as the Farewell Tawaf.

A total of 3,300 Kenyan Muslims are participating in this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

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