Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for peak of annual Hajj pilgrimage

Around 1.8 million Muslim pilgrims gathered on Mount Arafat near the holy city of Mecca on Tuesday for the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Under a punishing desert sun with temperatures soaring towards 40 degrees Celsius, white-robed worshippers prayed on the 70-meter rocky hill considered the holiest site of the Islamic pilgrimage.

From daybreak, thousands of pilgrims recited Quranic verses on Mount Arafat, where according to Islamic tradition, Prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon. This day, known as Arafah Day, marks the spiritual peak of the Hajj and is considered the most important day of the entire pilgrimage. Believers spend the day in prayer, meditation, and seeking forgiveness.

The Hajj rituals officially began on Monday when pilgrims arrived in Mina, a sprawling tent city near Mecca. Over 1.5 million Muslims participated in this year's pilgrimage, drawing believers from around the world. Among the participants are more than 30,000 Iranians who made the journey to Saudi Arabia despite regional tensions.

Saudi authorities implemented comprehensive security measures and services to facilitate the massive gathering. Security personnel were on high alert as buses and pedestrians filled the extensive encampment. Pilgrims had previously performed the Tawaf ceremony around the Kaaba at Mecca's Grand Mosque.

This year's Hajj takes place against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Particularly affected are Palestinians from Gaza, who for the third consecutive year cannot participate in the pilgrimage. Israel has closed borders, preventing Muslims from Gaza from fulfilling their religious obligation. This adds to tensions in an already conflict-ridden region.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a religious obligation for all Muslims who are physically and financially able. The pilgrimage must be undertaken at least once in a lifetime and follows prescribed rituals lasting several days. After the day on Arafat, pilgrims will move to Muzdalifah, where they spend the night under the open sky.

Extreme temperatures pose particular challenges for pilgrims, especially elderly participants and those from cooler climates. Saudi authorities have taken precautions to prevent heat-related injuries, including providing cooling stations and medical care.

The Hajj also holds significant economic importance for Saudi Arabia. The annual pilgrimage brings millions of visitors to the country and serves as a major economic driver. The Saudi government has invested billions in infrastructure in recent years to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.

Following Arafah Day, pilgrims will celebrate the Festival of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha), observed by Muslims worldwide. The Hajj traditionally concludes with the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina and a final circumambulation of the Kaaba. For the millions of participants, the pilgrimage represents a spiritual pinnacle of their lives.

The gathering on Mount Arafat represents not only a religious obligation but also a powerful demonstration of Islamic unity, bringing together Muslims from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and social classes. Despite the challenging conditions and regional tensions, the pilgrimage continues to serve as a unifying force for the global Muslim community.