On Saturday, Muslims from around the world gathered at Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage. This ritual at the hill of mercy is a day of intense worship and reflection, where pilgrims stand together, seeking mercy, blessings, prosperity, and good health. Mount Arafat, located about 20 kilometers southeast of Mecca, holds historical significance as the place where Prophet Muhammad delivered his final speech, emphasizing equality and unity among Muslims.
Hajj, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, officially began as pilgrims moved from Mecca's Grand Mosque to Mina, a desert plain outside the city. This year's pilgrimage is expected to host over 2 million pilgrims, nearing pre-pandemic levels. The Hajj is a fundamental pillar of Islam, mandatory for all physically and financially capable Muslims to undertake at least once in their lifetime.
The rituals of Hajj commemorate the stories of Prophet Ibrahim, his son Ismail, and Ismail's mother Hajar. Despite the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, Palestinians from Gaza were unable to participate in Hajj due to travel restrictions.
During the Hajj, pilgrims endure challenging conditions, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The Health Ministry has advised pilgrims to stay hydrated and seek shade. After the day of worship at Arafat, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifa to collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil in Mina.
Following the pilgrimage, pilgrims celebrate Eid al-Adha by slaughtering livestock and distributing meat to the less fortunate. The Hajj concludes with rituals in Mecca, including shaving heads for men and snipping hair for women as a sign of renewal.
Efforts to enhance safety during the Hajj include increased security presence, a high-speed rail link between holy sites, and electronic gates for crowd control. The Grand Mosque in Mecca has undergone renovations to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
