Millions gather at Arafat as Hajj reaches spiritual peak ahead of Eid

ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — More than 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims gathered Tuesday on the Plain of Arafat for the most sacred stage of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi authorities coordinated one of the world’s largest crowd-management and public safety operations ahead of Eid Al-Adha celebrations beginning Wednesday.

From early morning, pilgrims moved from Mina into Arafat, spending the day in prayer, repentance, Qur’an recitation, and supplication during what is considered the spiritual climax of Hajj, known as Wuquf Arafah. Islamic tradition regards the standing at Arafat as the central rite of the pilgrimage, reflected in the saying of Prophet Muhammad: “Hajj is Arafah.”

The Day of Arafah also precedes Eid Al-Adha, which Saudi authorities confirmed will begin Wednesday, May 27, marking the start of one of Islam’s most important religious holidays.

At Masjid Al-Namirah, the annual Arafat sermon was delivered to pilgrims and broadcast globally in 35 languages as part of a Saudi initiative aimed at reaching Muslims around the world through digital and translation platforms.

According to Saudi religious authorities, this year’s sermon emphasized moderation, unity among Muslims, compassion, justice, responsibility, and respect for human dignity. The address also urged believers to reject extremism, strengthen social solidarity, and uphold ethical conduct in personal and public life.

The sermon echoed themes associated with the Farewell Sermon delivered by Prophet Muhammad during his final pilgrimage in 632 CE, including equality among believers, protection of human life and property, and adherence to moral responsibility.

Pilgrims later combined and shortened the Dhuhr and Asr prayers in accordance with Islamic tradition before remaining in worship until sunset, when they began departing for Muzdalifah to spend the night before continuing Hajj rituals linked to Eid Al-Adha.

The movement of millions of pilgrims across the holy sites was supported by thousands of volunteers, security personnel, crowd-control teams, medics, and transport workers operating under intense summer temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius.

Saudi authorities deployed extensive monitoring systems, emergency response units, transport coordination centers, and medical teams to oversee the flow of pilgrims between Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

Workers involved in Hajj operations described the challenge as a constant process of rapid decision-making, where small interventions can prevent dangerous overcrowding.

Volunteer Abdullah Al-Mutairi recalled a previous Hajj season near Mina when congestion suddenly intensified as groups approached from different directions.

“You could feel the pressure building before you fully saw it,” he said, explaining that volunteers quickly redirected pilgrims through alternative pathways before conditions worsened.

Crowd-management officials said even minor disruptions — including confusion over directions, pilgrims stopping unexpectedly, or blocked pathways — can rapidly affect thousands of people during Hajj.

Rayan Al-Shareef, who worked in pedestrian flow management, said workers frequently rely on instinct, immediate communication, and real-time observation while operating under heat, fatigue, and constant pressure.

“Sometimes you make a decision first and explain it later,” he said.

Pilgrims also described moments of rerouting and sudden pauses in movement that initially caused frustration but later appeared necessary to avoid overcrowding ahead.

Noor Saeed, an Egyptian pilgrim performing Hajj for the second time, said many worshippers do not fully see the scale of operational decisions taking place around them.

“In the moment, you feel frustrated because you’re tired,” she said. “But afterward you understand that there are things happening beyond what pilgrims can see.”

Saudi officials urged pilgrims to remain hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and follow official movement schedules as preparations continued for Eid Al-Adha rituals beginning Wednesday morning.

After sunset, pilgrims proceeded toward Muzdalifah to perform evening prayers, collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning ritual, and prepare for the Eid Al-Adha rites scheduled for the following day.