More than 1.8 million Hajj pilgrims from around the world are now heading towards Muzdalifah after gathering at Mount Arafat on Saturday. At Arafat, they stood in prayer from noon until sunset, a crucial ritual on the Islamic calendar. Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, rocky areas east of Makkah, are key pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims are preparing for the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual in Muzdalifah, marking the start of Eid Al Adha, celebrated by over 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide.
At Arafat's Masjid Nimrah, pilgrims combined their prayers before walking 13 kilometers to Muzdalifah at sunset. They spent Saturday standing in vigil, offering supplications, seeking repentance, and reflecting on Islam's Prophet Mohammed's final sermon. The day at Arafat is compulsory for a successful Hajj pilgrimage and represents a pinnacle of spiritual significance.
Hajj, one of Islam's five pillars, mandates that all capable Muslims visit Makkah at least once in their lives. The Hill of Mercy at Arafat, where pilgrims stand in prayer, is profoundly moving for participants, who pray for mercy, blessings, and good health amidst scorching heat.
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| A pilgrim kneels in prayers at the top of the Mountain of Mercy also referred to as Mount Arafat. AP Photo |
This year, Saudi Arabia expects over two million pilgrims, nearing pre-pandemic levels. Despite global challenges, including in Gaza, where a ceasefire remains elusive, some Palestinians were invited to Hajj as a gesture of compassion by Saudi Arabia's King Salman.
On Saturday, pilgrims also hear a sermon at Namirah Mosque, translated into 50 languages to reach a billion people globally, promoting understanding and unity. After their time at Arafat, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the stoning ritual before spending the night there under the open sky.
Following Muzdalifah, pilgrims return to Mina for three days during Eid Al Adha, where they sacrifice animals and share meat with the less fortunate. They then conclude their pilgrimage with a final circumambulation in Makkah known as the Farewell Tawaf.
President Sheikh Mohamed expressed concern for UAE pilgrims' well-being during Hajj, commending Saudi Arabia for facilitating a safe and comfortable pilgrimage experience.
