Hajj 2026: Arafah Day Begins as Pilgrims Gather at Mount of Mercy
By Abdulrazaq auwal
Millions of Muslim pilgrims on Tuesday converged on the plains of Arafat and the historic Jabal al-Rahmah, popularly known as the Mount of Mercy, as the Day of Arafah; the spiritual peak of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage commenced in Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims from across the world, including thousands from Nigeria, moved from Mina to Arafat through the night and the early hours of the day under the supervision of Saudi authorities and Hajj officials, marking one of the most significant rites of the annual pilgrimage.
The Day of Arafah, observed on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, holds central importance in Hajj, as pilgrims spend the day in intense worship, repentance, Qur’anic recitation, supplication, and remembrance of Allah.
Jabal al-Rahmah, the rocky hill where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered his farewell sermon, remained at the center of the gathering, making the site one of the most symbolic locations during the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims raised their hands in prayer, recited Talbiyah, and sought forgiveness as temperatures soared across the holy sites.
Islamic scholars regard the standing at Arafat, known as Wuquf, as the most essential pillar of Hajj, with a widely cited prophetic tradition stating that “Hajj is Arafah.”
Saudi authorities deployed thousands of security personnel, health workers, emergency responders, and crowd management officials across the area to ensure the smooth movement and safety of pilgrims throughout the day.
Medical teams and support officials operated across the plains, providing healthcare services, hydration support, and emergency assistance amid the intense heat conditions.
Millions of Muslims worldwide were expected to follow the annual Arafah sermon through live broadcasts from the holy site.
Following sunset, pilgrims will depart Arafat for Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night in worship and collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning ritual at Jamarat in Mina.
For Muslims around the world unable to perform Hajj, the Day of Arafah remains one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar, with many observing voluntary fasting, increased prayers, charity, and remembrance of Allah in solidarity with pilgrims gathered in the holy land.
