Over 1.6 Million Pilgrims Gather at Arafat

ARAFAT, May 26: More than 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims gathered on Tuesday at the sacred Plain of Arafat for the most important stage of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, spending the day in intense prayer, worship and reflection under soaring temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, pilgrims began arriving at Arafat from dawn on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah to perform Wuquf Arafah — the standing at Arafat — regarded in Islamic tradition as the central rite and spiritual climax of Hajj.

Pilgrims remained within the designated boundaries of the holy site throughout the day, engaging in Qur’an recitation, remembrance of God, supplications and repeated chants of the Talbiyah and Takbeer in an atmosphere marked by devotion and humility.

The ritual holds profound significance in Islam, with Prophet Muhammad declaring, “Hajj is Arafah,” underscoring its essential nature of gathering. Islamic scholars describe the day as one of mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.

At noon, the Arafah sermon was delivered to worshippers, followed by the combined and shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.

The gathering also commemorates the Prophet’s Farewell Pilgrimage in A.D. 632, during which he delivered his historic final sermon at Mount Arafat, emphasizing justice, equality, and the sanctity of life and property.

Arafat, located about 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah, is dominated by Jabal Al-Rahmah, also known as the Mount of Mercy, where many pilgrims gather for prayer and contemplation.

The movement to Arafat followed the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, where pilgrims spent Monday preparing, both spiritually and physically, for the demanding rituals ahead.

Saudi authorities implemented extensive operational and security plans to manage the massive crowds, deploying transportation networks, medical teams, crowd-control systems and emergency response units across the holy sites.

Health officials remained on high alert amid the extreme heat, repeatedly urging pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

After sunset, pilgrims began departing Arafat for Muzdalifah, where they were expected to combine the Maghrib and Isha prayers before spending the night in worship and rest ahead of the symbolic stoning ritual in Mina.