Mount of Mercy: Makkah’s  famous religious mountain

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Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (also known as Mount of Mercy) during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Makkah. (Reuters / Suhaib Salem)
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Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (also known as Mount of Mercy) during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Makkah. (Photo courtesy: social media)
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Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (also known as Mount of Mercy) during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
Updated 10 August 2018
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Mount of Mercy: Makkah’s  famous religious mountain

  • Mount of Mercy (Jabal Al-Rahma) in Arafat is one of the most famous mountains of Makkah
  • The mountain is also known by names such as Mount of Ilal, Tawba, Al-Duaa, Nabat and Al-Qurain

JEDDAH: Pilgrims drop in at the Mount of Mercy (Jabal Al-Rahma) in Arafat before the start of Hajj to take pictures and buy gifts at the site of such religious and historical importance.

One of the most famous mountains of Makkah, it is one of Makkah’s most important attractions. It is located on the road between Makkah and Taif.

Pilgrims stand on the mountain during their Hajj rituals, paying homage to the fact that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stood there and delivered his last sermon.

The pilgrims pray to God, asking for His mercy and forgiveness.

The moutain is covered in small, flat, large-sized, black stones. Located to the east of Mount Arafat, it is 300 meters long with a perimeter of 640 meters. 

It rises 65 meters above the surrounding land and has a seven-meters pillar on top. The mountain is also known by names such as Mount of Ilal, Tawba, Al-Duaa, Nabat and Al-Qurain.

The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (CPVPV) in Makkah assigned some of its employees to educate pilgrims on how to conduct themselves at the mountain. Assisted by a number of translators, they alert pilgrims to potential mistakes and violations that could occur at Mount Arafat. 

They also guide pilgrims to perform their Hajj in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH). They distribute information leaflets, written in several languages, to help raise their awareness of correct procedures.

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Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

Updated 59 min 25 sec ago
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Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

  • Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
  • Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan

RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.

The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.

Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.

Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.

“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.

“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.

“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”