The annual Hajj pilgrimage has brought together more than 1.83 million Muslims from around the world at the sacred hill of Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for a day of intense worship and reflection. The hill, known as the hill of mercy, is considered the peak of the pilgrimage where pilgrims stand together, asking for mercy, blessings, prosperity, and good health. The ritual at Mount Arafat holds great significance, with many pilgrims expressing profound emotions and spiritual experiences as they engage in prayer and contemplation.
Prophet Muhammad delivered his final speech, the Farewell Sermon, at Mount Arafat 1,435 years ago, emphasizing the principles of equality and unity among Muslims. Pilgrims, like Ali Osman from Spain, speak of the spiritual and physical strength they feel at this sacred site, describing it as a source of positive energy. The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, requires all physically and financially able Muslims to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime.
The backdrop of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage is marked by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has created tensions in the region. Despite challenges and restrictions due to the conflict, pilgrims remain focused on the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage, avoiding any politicization of the sacred journey. The Hajj rituals encompass traditions commemorating the stories of Prophet Ibrahim, Prophet Ismail, and Hajar as narrated in the Quran and Bible.
Amidst the scorching heat and soaring temperatures, pilgrims at Mount Arafat resorted to carrying umbrellas, seeking shady spots, and using cooling stations to combat the extreme weather conditions. The Health Ministry’s warnings of high temperatures reaching up to 48 degrees Celsius prompted pilgrims to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions to ensure their well-being.
As the day of intense worship and prayer at Mount Arafat concludes, pilgrims will proceed to Muzdalifa to collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning ritual before returning to Mina for the Eid al-Adha celebrations. The culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage involves rituals of renewal, symbolized by the shaving of heads for men and snipping of hair for women, followed by prayers at Prophet Muhammad’s tomb in Medina. The annual Hajj pilgrimage remains a profound and spiritually significant journey for millions of Muslims worldwide.
