Makkah, May 26 (V7N)- More than 1.6 million pilgrims gathered at the plains of Arafat on Tuesday (May 26) to observe the most sacred and spiritually significant stage of the holy Hajj, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Pilgrims began arriving at Arafat from early morning on the ninth day of Zilhaj and are spending the day in prayer, Quran recitation, remembrance of Allah and supplication until sunset.
According to Islamic scholars, the Day of Arafat is among the holiest days in the Islamic calendar and symbolizes mercy, forgiveness and spiritual purification. The day also commemorates the Farewell Pilgrimage of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 632 AD, when he delivered his historic final sermon at Jabal ar-Rahmah, also known as the Mount of Mercy.
The sermon highlighted principles of justice, equality and the sanctity of human life and property, messages that continue to hold deep significance for Muslims worldwide.
The Hajj sermon is scheduled to be delivered at noon, offering guidance on the virtues and importance of the day. Pilgrims will later perform the combined and shortened Zuhr and Asr prayers in accordance with the Sunnah.
Arafat, located around 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah, is an open desert plain where many pilgrims gather around Jabal ar-Rahmah in worship and reflection. Islamic tradition associates the site with the reunion of Adam and Eve, giving it profound symbolic importance.
Before arriving at Arafat, pilgrims spent Monday in Mina observing “Yawmut Tarbiyah,” preparing spiritually and physically for the central rituals of Hajj.
Saudi authorities have implemented extensive measures to ensure pilgrims’ safety and smooth movement, including crowd management systems, medical support, transportation services and emergency response units.
Health officials have also urged pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight as temperatures in the region exceed 45 degrees Celsius.
END/SMA/AJ
