Millions of Muslim Pilgrims Converge at Mount Arafat for Daylong Worship as Hajj Reaches Its Peak

In a display of devotion and unity, millions of Muslims from around the world gathered at  Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia on Saturday for the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage. The ritual, known as the "hill of mercy," is considered the most memorable and intense part of the five-day journey, where pilgrims stand shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet, seeking God's mercy, blessings, and good health.

The mount, located about 20 kilometers southeast of Mecca, holds great significance in Islamic history, as it is believed to be the site where Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon, known as the Farewell Sermon, 1,435 years ago. In the sermon, the prophet called for equality and unity among Muslims.

"It's indescribable," said Ahmed Tukeyia, an Egyptian pilgrim, on his arrival Friday evening at a tent camp at the foot of Mount Arafat. "The feeling of being among millions of Muslims, all united in our faith, is truly overwhelming."

Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings on earth, with Saudi authorities expecting the number of pilgrims this year to exceed 2 million, approaching pre-coronavirus pandemic levels. The rituals officially started Friday when pilgrims moved from Mecca's Grand Mosque to Mina, a desert plain just outside the city.

Why it Matters : The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to make the journey at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able. The rituals commemorate the Quran's accounts of Prophet Ibrahim, his son Prophet Ismail, and Ismail's mother Hajar — or Abraham and Ismael as they are named in the Bible. This year's Hajj takes place against the backdrop of the raging war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas, which has pushed the Middle East to the brink of a regional war.

Saudi authorities have taken measures to prevent politicizing the pilgrimage, and pilgrims from around the world have put aside their differences to focus on their spiritual journey. The pilgrimage is a symbol of unity and solidarity among Muslims, and its significance extends beyond the religious realm, promoting understanding, tolerance, and peace.

After Saturday's worship in Arafat, pilgrims will travel to Muzdalifa to collect pebbles that they will use in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil back in Mina. They will then return to Mina for three days, coinciding with the festive Eid al-Adha holiday, when financially able Muslims around the world slaughter livestock and distribute the meat to poor people.

The Health Ministry has cautioned that temperatures at the holy sites could reach 48°C (118°F), urging pilgrims to use umbrellas and drink more water to stay hydrated. The pilgrimage is notorious for its crowds, and in 2015, several thousand pilgrims were crushed to death in a crowd surge. Saudi authorities have made significant efforts to improve access and avoid deadly accidents, deploying tens of thousands of security personnel and building a high-speed rail link to ferry people between holy sites.

Key Takeaway :

• Millions of Muslims converged on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage, seeking God's mercy and blessings.
• The ritual is considered the most memorable and intense part of the five-day journey, promoting unity and solidarity among Muslims.
• The pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to make the journey at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able.
• Saudi authorities have taken measures to prevent politicizing the pilgrimage, focusing on the spiritual journey and promoting understanding, tolerance, and peace.
• The Hajj pilgrimage is a symbol of unity and solidarity among Muslims, extending beyond the religious realm to promote global understanding and cooperation.

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