Hajj Pilgrims Gather at Mount Arafat Under Scorching Desert Conditions

Thousands of Muslims Gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Pilgrimage

A large number of pilgrims gathered on Mount Arafat, a 70-meter rocky hill near Mecca, to perform the most important ritual of the Hajj pilgrimage. The event took place as temperatures soared towards 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), with many worshippers reciting Quranic verses and seeking shade under parasols.

Volunteers were present along the route, providing pilgrims with water, food packages, and other necessities. One pilgrim, Ahmoud Abou Elezz, described his experience as “indescribable.” The Hajj pilgrimage has attracted over 1.5 million people this year, despite a conflict between Iran and its allies.

The conflict has resulted in waves of drone and ballistic missile strikes on major infrastructure and energy installations across the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi officials reported that more pilgrims have traveled from abroad this year than in previous years.

The Hajj is an obligatory ritual for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it. The pilgrimage involves a series of outdoor rituals that can last several days or more. Pilgrims were advised by authorities to drink plenty of water and protect themselves from the sun due to the extreme heat.

After spending the night in Muzdalifah, pilgrims will proceed to Mina, where they will participate in the “stoning of the devil” ritual. The Hajj is said to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad’s final pilgrimage about 1,400 years ago and has been an important tradition for the Al Saud dynasty.

The event was attended by tens of thousands of people from around the world, including over 30,000 Iranians who made the journey despite the ongoing conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera