More than 1.5 million Muslims will gather on Mount Arafat this Saturday for the pinnacle of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, facing soaring temperatures expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
Pilgrims from across the globe will ascend the 70-meter (230-feet) hill, located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Makkah, where the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) delivered his final sermon.
The Hajj, which spans at least five days and involves numerous outdoor activities, presents significant challenges due to the intense heat, particularly for the elderly. Abraman Hawa, a 26-year-old pilgrim from Ghana, highlighted the difficulty posed by the extreme temperatures, noting the need for prayer and divine support.
Saudi authorities have advised pilgrims to stay hydrated and shield themselves from the sun. Given the prohibition on men wearing hats, many opt for umbrellas for protection.
Despite the harsh conditions, 60-year-old Pakistani pilgrim Mohammed Farouk emphasized the spiritual significance of the Hajj, describing it as a vital religious obligation.
Pilgrims spent the previous night in a vast tent city in Mina, a valley near Makkah, where they were arranged by nationality and package price, which often costs several thousand dollars. Following their prayers at Arafat, pilgrims will move to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina on Sunday.
The Hajj commemorates the path taken by the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) during his final pilgrimage around 1,400 years ago.
Additionally, the kingdom welcomed 13.5 million Muslims for Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage that can be performed year-round, and aims to increase this number to 30 million by 2030.