MORE than 1.6 million pilgrims gathered on Tuesday at the Plain of Arafat for the most sacred and spiritually defining stage of the Hajj pilgrimage, in scenes marked by intense devotion, prayers and reflection, according to reports by the Saudi Press Agency.
News Point Nigeria reports that from the early hours of the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims streamed into Arafat, where they are expected to remain within the designated boundaries of the sacred site until sunset, dedicating the day to worship, Qur’an recitation, remembrance of Allah and supplication.
Widely regarded in Islamic tradition as the pinnacle and heart of Hajj, the standing at Arafat, known as Wuquf Arafah, is considered the central rite of the pilgrimage. Prophet Muhammad SAW famously declared: “Hajj is Arafah,” underscoring the spiritual significance of the gathering.
Islamic scholars describe the Day of Arafah as one of the holiest moments in the Islamic calendar, associated with mercy, forgiveness and spiritual renewal for millions of Muslims across the world.
The day also commemorates the Farewell Pilgrimage of Prophet Muhammad SAW in A.D. 632, during which he delivered his final sermon at Mount Arafat, emphasizing justice, equality, and the sanctity of human life and property.
At noon, the Arafah sermon was scheduled to be delivered to pilgrims, offering religious guidance and reminders on the virtues and spiritual importance of the day.
Following the sermon, pilgrims were expected to observe the Dhuhr and Asr prayers combined and shortened in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.
Throughout the day, worshippers raised their hands in prayer, recited the Talbiyah and Takbeer, and sought Allah’s forgiveness in an atmosphere filled with humility, emotion and deep spiritual reflection.
Plain of Arafat, located about 20 kilometres southeast of Makkah, is an open plain dominated by Jabal Al-Rahmah, also known as the Mount of Mercy, where many pilgrims gather for prayer and contemplation.
Islamic tradition holds that the site is linked to the reunion of Adam and Eve, making it one of the most symbolic and spiritually revered locations in Islam.
The movement to Arafat followed the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, where pilgrims spent Monday preparing spiritually and physically for what is widely regarded as the most demanding phase of Hajj.
Saudi authorities implemented extensive operational plans to ensure the smooth movement and safety of pilgrims, deploying crowd-control systems, transportation networks, emergency response units and medical services across the holy sites.
Health officials also remained on high alert as temperatures exceeded 45 degrees Celsius, urging pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
At sunset, pilgrims began departing Arafat for Muzdalifah, where they are expected to combine and shorten the Maghrib and Isha prayers before spending the night in worship and rest ahead of the symbolic stoning ritual.