Millions of pilgrims gather in Arafat as Hajj 2026 reaches its most sacred day

The pilgrims travelled from Makkah to Mina in groups, where they offered prayers of Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha

MAKKAH: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-May 26th, 2026) The sacred rituals of Hajj 2026 are underway as millions of Muslims from around the world gather today in the plains of Arafat to perform the central pillar of Hajj, “Wuquf-e-Arafah” (standing at Arafat).

The pilgrims travelled from Makkah to Mina in groups, where they offered prayers of Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha. They spent the night in Mina engaged in worship, recitation of the Holy Quran and remembrance of Allah, while chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” echoed across the holy sites.

On 9th Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims will gather in Arafat to listen to the Hajj sermon delivered from Masjid-e-Nimrah. Dhuhr and Asr prayers will be offered together in shortened form.

Pilgrims will remain in Arafat until sunset, spending the day in prayers, repentance and supplication. Wuquf-e-Arafah is regarded as the most important pillar of Hajj and holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide.

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After sunset, pilgrims will move to Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night under the open sky. Maghrib and Isha prayers will be offered together, and pilgrims will also collect pebbles for the ritual of Rami (stoning of the Jamarat).

On 10th Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims will return to Mina to perform the ritual of stoning the “big devil”, followed by animal sacrifice and shaving or trimming of hair, marking the partial release from the state of Ihram. They will then proceed to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf-e-Ziyarah.

Saudi authorities have made special arrangements for the safety and comfort of pilgrims amid extreme heat and dust concerns. Shaded areas, advanced cooling fans and misting systems have been installed in Arafat and surrounding areas to reduce temperatures.

Officials said specially designed walkways have also been prepared using soft and modern materials to ease movement and reduce fatigue for pilgrims.