A Spiritual Climax at Mount Arafat
On Thursday, June 5, more than 2 million pilgrims dressed in white gathered to ascend Mount Arafat, located east of the sacred city of Makkah, marking the peak of their hajj journey. The ascent began early in the morning after the pilgrims had spent the previous night in Mina, completing the first stage of their five-day odyssey.
Among the throng was Ali, a 33-year-old from Pakistan, who had long dreamt of standing at Arafat. Reflecting on his experience, he recalled watching the scene on television each year and longing for the opportunity. “I have been striving to be here for the past three years,” he shared, his eyes fixed on the mount, expressing his deep gratitude for the experience.
As they made their way upward, chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” resonated among the pilgrims—a declaration of their readiness to answer God’s call. This location is historically significant, having been the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon over 14 centuries ago.
Iman Abdel Khaleq, a woman in her fifties, conveyed her long-held aspiration to stand at Arafat, sharing that this moment was a cherished dream almost lost over time.
Rituals Performed During Hajj
Following the traditions established by the Prophet’s Sunnah, the pilgrims observed a combined and abbreviated noon and afternoon prayer at the Namera Mosque. They spent the day on the plains of Arafat engaging in one of the most pivotal pillars of hajj.
Throughout this meaningful day, participants earnestly supplicated for forgiveness, mercy, and unity, praying for both themselves and the global community. Later, they boarded trains to Muzdalifah—a midway station between Arafat and Mina. There, they took part in the symbolic ritual of stoning the devil at Jamrat Al-Aqaba and stayed overnight.
On the following Friday, all pilgrims returned to Mina to perform animal sacrifices, thereby marking the commencement of the four-day Eid al-Adha celebration. Those who complete hajj are believed to depart free from sin, as promised by Prophet Muhammad.
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