Millions of Muslims from around the globe, including over 115,000 pilgrims from Pakistan, are gathered today at the plains of Arafat to observe Wuquf-e-Arafat, the most significant ritual of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
After spending the night in Mina, the pilgrims made their way to Mount Arafat, where they will listen to the Hajj sermon at Masjid Namira and offer combined Zuhr and Asr prayers. Wuquf-e-Arafat, or the Standing at Arafat, takes place between Asr and Maghrib and is considered the spiritual pinnacle of Hajj. During this sacred rite, pilgrims raise their hands in humble supplication, seeking forgiveness, mercy, and divine blessings.
At sunset, a cannon will signal the end of Wuquf. Pilgrims will then begin their journey to Muzdalifah without offering Maghrib prayer. Upon arrival, they will combine Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night under the open sky, collecting pebbles for the symbolic Ramy al-Jamarat (stoning of the devil).
Read More: Millions Reach Mina for Sacred Pilgrimage
The following morning, after Fajr prayer, the pilgrims will return to Mina to begin Ramy, in which they will throw seven pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamrat al-Aqaba) on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, symbolizing the rejection of evil.
This ritual coincides with Eid al-Adha, during which pilgrims will also perform animal sacrifice, a core practice commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). They will then shave or trim their hair (Halq or Taqsir), marking their partial exit from the state of Ihram.
On the 11th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims will repeat the stoning ritual at all three pillars, continuing their symbolic defiance of Satan. Those who choose to stay an additional day in Mina will complete the final stoning on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Pilgrims will later proceed to the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ziyarah, one of the essential rites of Hajj. Before departing the holy city, they will also complete Tawaf al-Wida, the farewell circumambulation of the Kaaba.
Many pilgrims are also expected to travel to Madina to pay homage at the Masjid al-Nabawi, the resting place of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
As the Hajj rituals progress, authorities have heightened safety measures to manage the massive crowd and ensure the health and well-being of all pilgrims.
