Millions of pilgrims complete Arafat rites in pivotal moment of Hajj journey

Around two million Muslim pilgrims gathered earlier today on the plains of Mount Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, marking the peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Pilgrims performed the midday and afternoon prayers in combined and shortened form at Namirah Mosque.

The Day of Arafah, which falls on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, is when Muslims gather at Mount Arafat and remain there until sunset, performing prayers and reciting the Quran in the ritual known as Wuquf at Arafat.

Mount Arafat is believed to be the site where Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) delivered his final sermon during his last Hajj pilgrimage.

After sunset, the pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah, where they will perform the sunset and night prayers and stay overnight until dawn.

Media outlets reported smooth traffic as pilgrims travelled from Mina to Arafat earlier in the day.

The six-day Hajj season also includes the symbolic stoning ritual and the farewell circumambulation at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Hajj consists of several rituals meant to symbolise core concepts of the Islamic faith and commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham and his family.

Millions of Hajj pilgrims flock to Mina ahead of Arafah

Mina is also known as the sacred tent city of Hajj where millions of pilgrims stay during key days of worship.

Ceremony of 'disavowal of disbelievers' held in Arafat

On the sidelines of the Hajj rituals, a large number of Iranian pilgrims held a ceremony of Bira'at min-al-mushrikeen (disavowal of disbelievers) denouncing the Israeli regime and US-led global arrogance and its warmongering actions against Muslims.

The disavowal of disbelievers is a Qur’anic principle expressing rejection of polytheism and hostility towards perceived enemies of humanity and believers.

During the ceremony, the message of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, was read out, followed by an Arabic summary.

Pilgrims carried placards condemning global arrogance and Zionism, emphasising Muslim unity and honouring the steadfastness of the martyred leader, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, referenced in the message.

The martyred leader had stated in past addresses to the annual Hajj congress that the Muslim world must uphold the spirit of Hajj by standing firmly with Palestine.

He had emphasised that “Hajj can render ineffectual all plans of arrogant powers and Zionism for the moral downfall of humanity,” asserting that the pilgrimage reinforces unity among Muslim nations against oppression, arrogance, and all forms of idolatry.

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