Daily news highlights from Mount Arafat, Saudi Arabia, show that thousands of Muslim pilgrims gathered on Thursday for the most important day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This sacred event marks the high point of the journey, where believers come together to pray, read the Qur’an, and seek forgiveness.
Mount Arafat, also known as the “Mount of Mercy,” is the place where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have given his final sermon. Pilgrims come here each year to perform hours of prayer and reflection under the hot desert sun.
1. Early Morning Gatherings and Spiritual Emotions
Many pilgrims arrived before sunrise to avoid the extreme heat. They brought colorful umbrellas and wore white clothes, symbolizing purity and unity. The atmosphere was filled with emotion as people from all over the world joined together for worship.
- One pilgrim, Ali from Pakistan, shared, “I’ve been trying for three years to come here. It’s a blessing to finally be here. I saw this on TV every year and always dreamed of joining.”
- Another pilgrim, Iman Abdel Khaleq, said through tears, “I’ve waited 10 years for this moment. I feel like I’m living my biggest dream.”
2. Saudi Arabia’s Heat Safety Measures
This year’s Hajj is taking place under extreme heat, with temperatures going above 40°C (104°F). To keep pilgrims safe, Saudi officials made an important request: stay inside tents between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun is strongest.
- Thousands of fans spraying cool mist have been set up at the base of Mount Arafat.
- More than 250,000 staff and emergency personnel were deployed.
- Over 400 cooling units and extra shaded areas covering 50,000 square meters (12 acres) were added to reduce heat stress.
These actions are part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to manage one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, which brings together over 1.5 million people from all over the globe.
3. Symbolic Rituals Continue After Sunset
As the sun sets, pilgrims will leave Mount Arafat and head toward Muzdalifah, a site between Arafat and Mina. There, they will gather small stones for the symbolic ritual called the “stoning of the devil.”
- This act represents rejecting evil and is a key part of the Hajj.
- Pilgrims will spend the night in Muzdalifah, continuing prayers and spiritual preparation.
4. Technology and Crowd Management
To handle the large crowds and ensure safety, Saudi authorities have turned to modern technology:
- Digital crowd-monitoring tools have been deployed.
- High-tech communication systems help coordinate medical and emergency responses.
- Transportation and movement routes have been improved to reduce congestion.
These upgrades are meant to provide a safer and smoother experience for pilgrims, especially during the physically demanding parts of the Hajj.
A Powerful Journey of Faith Amid Heat and Hope
Daily news highlights from the Hajj show both the challenges and deep spiritual rewards of the pilgrimage. For many, the chance to visit Mount Arafat and pray there is a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with powerful emotions.
As temperatures rise and global attention focuses on Saudi Arabia, Breaking News updates will continue to follow the events of the Hajj. This important religious journey remains a symbol of faith, patience, and unity for Muslims around the world.
