ARAFAT — Marking the climax of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, over 1.67 million pilgrims started their main ritual of wuqoof (standing) at Arafat on Thursday afternoon after ascending the vast plains of Arafat earlier the day. The Saudi authorities have mobilized all their resources to ensure pilgrims complete the most important part of their lifetime spiritual journey in ease and comfort. On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has arrived in Mina on Thursday to oversee Saudi Arabia's Hajj operation. Well-coordinated strategies and modern technologies are in place to facilitate the performance of Hajj rituals, ensuring a safe and reassuring environment for pilgrims on this significant day in Islam. Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all Muslims physically and financially able to make the pilgrimage. Chanting "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik (O God, here I am answering Your call)...," the pilgrims streamed this morning to Namira Mosque in Arafat after spending a night of meditation and introspection in the Tent City of Mina. Male pilgrims in seamless white clothes — resembling a white sea of humanity and women in their abayas — are now spending the most crucial hours in their pilgrimage. Sheikh Saleh Bin Humaid, imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, delivered the Arafat sermon at the grand Namira Mosque. He emphasized that the Day of Arafat is a significant occasion when Muslims come together in unity, reflecting the true essence of faith. The sermon resembles the famous farewell sermon of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he performed his only Hajj. The Arafat sermon has reached a vast audience across the globe, through translations in 35 languages. After the sermon, Sheikh Bin Humaid led the prayers. Retracting the noble tradition of the Prophet (PBUH), he performed noon (Dhuhr) and evening (Asr) prayers, combined and shortened, with one adhan and two iqamas. Pilgrims joined the prayers at and around Namira Mosque, and then started performing the Standing at Arafat. Wuqoof Arafat, one of the four pillars of Hajj, begins after noon prayers. Pilgrims would engage in prayers and supplications until after sunset. They will seek forgiveness and pleasures of Allah. Many of the worshippers were seen holding umbrellas against the fierce sun while chanting Talbiyah and reciting verses from the Holy Qur'an after ascending on Jabal Al-Rahma (the Mount of Mercy) in Arafat. The vast plains of Arafat spread over an area of 10.4 square km and is inhabited only during the days of Hajj. On this blessed day, the pilgrims engage in the "Talbiyah" supplication, remembrance of Allah, seeking forgiveness, and praising God, Almighty. They turn humbly and devotedly to Allah, spending the day praying for themselves, their families, their children, and all their fellow Muslims. Multitudes of pilgrims are standing shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet, for the emotional day of supplication in the desert valley where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon during his Farewell Hajj, calling for equality and unity among Muslims. Many pilgrims raised their hands in worship with tears streaming down their faces. Muslims in most parts of the world are observing fasting on Thursday in a sign of solidarity with the pilgrims. It is a great Sunnah for those who do not perform Hajj to observe fasting on Arafat Day. Under the sweltering temperatures, most of the pilgrims are carrying umbrellas. Cooling stations on the roads leading to Arafat and in its surrounding areas sprayed pilgrims with water to help fight the heat, which had already climbed to over 40 degrees Celsius at Mount Arafat. The pilgrims would remain at Arafat until nightfall in deep contemplation, supplication and recitation of the Holy Qur'an. After completing the ritual of Standing at Arafat by sunset, pilgrims then move to Muzdalifah in a calm and dignified manner, reciting talbiyah a great deal. They will offer the Maghrib prayer with three raka'a and Isha prayer in two raka'a at the time of Isha after reaching Muzdalifah, and spend the night there in supplication. They will head to Mina after Fajr prayer on Friday to perform the ritual of stoning at Jamarat Al-Aqba on the Day of Sacrifice when Muslims other than pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and many other countries start celebration of Eid Al-Adha festival.
