JEDDAH: Muslims from around the world congregated on Saturday at a sacred hill in Saudi Arabia for worship and reflection amid sweltering heat.
The ritual at Mount Arafat, known as the hill of mercy, is considered the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is often the most memorable for pilgrims, who stand together asking God for mercy, blessings, prosperity and good health.
Thousands of pilgrims walked here through the predawn darkness. They recited “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (O Lord, here I am answering your call) and verses from the Holy Qur’an.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the number of pilgrims reached 1,833,164.
This year’s Hajj came against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war, which pushed the Middle East to the brink of a regional conflict.
On the slopes of Mt. Arafat and the surrounding plains, many pilgrims raised hands in worship with tears streaming down their faces. (SPA photo)
In his sermon at the Namira Mosque in Arafat, imam Maher bin Hamad Al-Mu’wiqly, urged pilgrims to pray for the Palestinians who have been “harmed and hurt by their enemy” that killed them, and “deprived them of what they need from food, medicine and clothing.”
Most of the pilgrims at Mount Arafat carried umbrellas, while others sat in the shade. Many were seen splashing water on their faces and bodies.
Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said more than 150 pilgrims have been treated for heat exhaustion.
He urged pilgrims to drink water and carry umbrellas as they perform Hajj’s rituals.
At sunset on Saturday, pilgrims left Mount Arafat, heading to a nearby site known as Muzdalifah to collect pebbles they will use in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil back in Mina. Pilgrims then return to Mina for three days, coinciding with the festive Eid Al-Adha holiday. Afterward, they return to Makkah for a final circumambulation, known as Farewell Tawaf. Once the Hajj is over, men shave their heads, and women snip a lock of hair in a sign of renewal.
