ARAFAT: Pilgrims gathered on the Plain of Arafat on Dhul Hijjah 9, Tuesday, for the most sacred and spiritually defining stage of the ritual, amid strict security and health measures.
They also attended the annual Hajj sermon at Namirah Mosque, the second-largest facility in the Makkah region, where Dhuhr and Asr prayers were performed in combination and shortened.
The shortening of prayers follows a tradition established by Prophet Muhammad more than 14 centuries ago. The sermon was delivered by Sheikh Ali bin Abdulrahman Al-Hudhaifi, imam of the Prophet’s Mosque.
After performing Fajr prayer in the tent city of Mina, pilgrims moved toward Arafat. The transportation process was completed before 8 a.m. — two hours earlier than last year — according to the General Transport Center operating under the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites.
Arafat, about 20 km southeast of Makkah, is an expansive plain dominated by Jabal Al-Rahmah, or the Mount of Mercy, where pilgrims gather for prayer and reflection. In Islamic tradition, the site is associated with the reunion of Adam and Eve, and holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims.
