Islamonweb

Under the scorching Saudi sun, over 1.5 million pilgrims from across the globe converged at Mount Arafat today, marking the Day of Arafah, the spiritual climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This sacred gathering, which falls on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, is a profound moment of reflection, unity, and prayer for Muslims worldwide.

The day’s core ritual, the Khutbah (sermon) of Arafah, was delivered at the historic Masjid al-Namirah by Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, a distinguished member of Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars and former Imam of Masjid al-Haram. His sermon emphasized the principles of equality, repentance, and universal brotherhood, echoing the spirit of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s Farewell Sermon delivered at this very site.

“This is a day of mercy, a day of divine forgiveness,” Sheikh Dr. Humaid proclaimed, urging pilgrims and Muslims worldwide to embrace unity, sincerity, and the values of Islam in daily life.

To ensure accessibility for all, the sermon was broadcast live in 35 languages, including English, Urdu, French, Indonesian, and Malayalam, through official platforms of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Despite temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), pilgrims remained steadfast in their devotion. To counter the extreme heat, Saudi authorities installed mist fans, shaded tents, and laid over 125,000 square meters of carpet inside Masjid al-Namirah. Medical teams and volunteers were also deployed across the site to assist those affected by the heat.
From noon until sunset, pilgrims engaged in Wuquf-e-Arafah, the central pillar of Hajj. It is the one ritual that cannot be missed—its absence invalidates the entire pilgrimage.

After sunset, pilgrims will begin their journey toward Muzdalifah, where they will perform combined Maghrib and Isha prayers and gather pebbles for the ritual stoning at Mina.

Beyond the plains of Arafat, Muslims around the world also observed the day with fasting, prayer, and acts of worship. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged fasting on Arafat Day for non-pilgrims, promising that it expiates the sins of the previous and coming year.

Governments in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain declared public holidays to honor the sacred occasion, allowing people time for spiritual reflection.