Hajj 2024
Over 1.5 million Muslims from around 180 countries have gathered on Saturday to observe the “Day of Arafah” on Mount Arafat, marking a pivotal moment in the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The day follows the commencement of Hajj 1445 from the tent city of Mina on the Day of Tarwiyah.
Mount Arafat, located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Makkah, holds profound significance as the place where Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) delivered his final sermon.
Pilgrims, including at least 160,000 Pakistanis among hundreds of thousands of international and domestic participants, ascend the 70-meter (230-foot) rocky hill for prayers.
During the day, worshippers will congregate at Jabal al-Rahmah and attend the Hajj sermon at Masjid-e-Nimrah, translated into 50 languages including Urdu.
The sermon, delivered by Sheikh Maher Al Muaiqly of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, is a significant spiritual event during Hajj.
Pilgrims will spend the entire day engaged in prayer at the expansive field of Arafah before proceeding to Muzdalifah at sunset.
There, they will perform Maghrib and Isha prayers, followed by the collection of pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual (Rami al-Jamarat) in Mina on the following day.
The Hajj pilgrimage, which spans at least five days and involves rigorous outdoor activities, is being conducted amidst challenging desert temperatures expected to reach 43°C (109°F).
Saudi authorities have advised pilgrims to stay hydrated and protected from the sun, despite the prohibition on men wearing hats, many are seen carrying umbrellas for shade.
In addition to its spiritual significance, Hajj is a major economic driver for Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom aims to boost religious tourism and reduce dependency on oil revenues.
Last year, over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in Hajj, with a vast majority from abroad, alongside millions who undertake the Umrah pilgrimage throughout the year.
This year’s Hajj occurs against the backdrop of regional conflicts, including the Gaza war, underscoring the pilgrimage’s role as a unifying force in the Muslim world.
The Saudi Interior Ministry has affirmed the successful completion of the initial stages of Hajj 1445, emphasizing strict measures against any disruptions to the pilgrimage’s peace and sanctity.
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