Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik: Arafat day observed as pilgrims worship

Millions of pilgrims are set to observe Wuquf-e-Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the central pillar of Hajj, as they gather in the plains of Arafat to perform the most significant ritual of the pilgrimage.

The Hajj sermon is expected to be delivered from Masjid al-Namirah after which pilgrims will offer combined Dhuhr and Asr prayers in shortened form. From midday until sunset, the gathering will remain in Arafat engaged in supplication, repentance and prayers.

After sunset, pilgrims will depart for Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night under open skies. Maghrib and Isha prayers will be offered together, while pilgrims collect pebbles required for the stoning ritual.

On the morning of 10th Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims will return to Mina to perform Ramy al-Jamarat, symbolically stoning the largest pillar representing Satan. This will be followed by animal sacrifice, shaving or trimming of hair, and partial release from Ihram.

Pilgrims will then proceed to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ziyarah before returning to Mina.

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The stoning ritual will continue on the 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. Pilgrims are expected to leave Mina before sunset on the 12th, marking the completion of the main Hajj rituals.

Saudi authorities have introduced extensive measures at Arafat and surrounding areas to manage extreme heat and potential dust storms. These include shaded structures, large-scale tree plantation and advanced cooling systems using water mist technology.

Special pedestrian pathways have also been prepared to facilitate movement, designed with flexible materials aimed at reducing fatigue for pilgrims.

The Day of Arafat holds immense spiritual importance in Islam and is regarded as the pinnacle of Hajj. It is the day when pilgrims stand in devotion before Allah, seeking forgiveness and mercy.

According to authentic traditions, it is the day when Allah frees more people from Hellfire than on any other day. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described it as a day of worship, mercy and divine closeness.