ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia: As the sun reached its zenith over Mount Arafat, pilgrims from all corners of the world were joined and immersed in prayer and reflection on the most sacred day of Hajj. The weather was sweltering, with temperatures soaring to 41 Celsius, yet the spirit of the day was palpable. Authorities had prepared for the heat, installing weather sprays along the roads leading to Arafat and expanding shaded areas by 50,000 sq m to shield pilgrims from the sun. Despite the challenges, the atmosphere was one of unity and reverence.

Muslim pilgrims gathered to pray atop Mount Arafat on Thursday during the high point of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

RIYADH: On Thursday, corresponding to Dul Hijjah 9, more than 1.67 million pilgrims gathered on the plain of Arafat, marking the spiritual apex of the Hajj pilgrimage. From early…

ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia: As the sun reached its zenith over Mount Arafat, pilgrims from all corners of the world were joined and immersed in prayer and reflection on the most sacred…