Pilgrims Flock To Arafat For Hajj’s Central Pillar On Saturday

On Saturday, the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, 1445 AH, pilgrims will gather at the Plain of Arafat to perform the most significant pillar of Hajj. This day, described by the Prophet (peace be upon him) as the best day, sees Muslims standing on Arafat from sunrise until sunset. Arafat, also known as "Arafah," is a key Hajj site located outside Makkah's sacred precincts.

Arafat is a vast plain featuring the prominent Mount Arafat, or "Mount of Mercy" (Jabal Al-Rahmah), which stands 300 meters high with a distinct 7-meter pillar. The area is surrounded by mountains and intersected by Wadi ‘Arnah. It lies on the road between Makkah and Taif, approximately 22 km east of Makkah, 10 km from Mina, and 6 km from Muzdalifah. Covering an area of 10.4 square km, Arafat is inhabited only during Hajj.

On this auspicious day, pilgrims engage in the "Talbiyah" supplication, remembrance of Allah, seeking forgiveness, and praising Allah. They spend the day praying for themselves, their families, their children, and all fellow Muslims. During Dhuhr prayer time, the Imam delivers a sermon to provide guidance and reminders. Following this, he leads the combined Dhuhr and Asr prayers, performed shortened and together.

No other prayers are performed before or between these two prayers or after them. After sunset on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah to perform the combined Maghrib and Isha prayers with one Adhan and two Iqamas upon arrival. They spend the night in Muzdalifah engaging in supplication and remembrance, expressing gratitude to Allah for His grace.

The significance of standing at Arafat cannot be overstated as it represents a pivotal moment in the Hajj pilgrimage. The day is marked by deep devotion and spiritual reflection as pilgrims seek closeness to Allah through various acts of worship.

With inputs from SPA