Mount Arafat is in the desert approximately nine miles from Mecca, where the pilgrims spend the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah [in the Islamic calendar] as a rite of Hajj. On this day, the pilgrims face Mecca and pray from noon to sundown. Prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon from Mount Arafat during his pilgrimage. In performing wuquf, the pilgrims figuratively join those the Prophet addressed. Wuquf is believed to cleanse and purify the soul and mind in preparation for the pilgrims’ stay at Muzdalifah that night.
After sunset, pilgrims will move to Muzdalifah, where they collect pebbles to be tossed at three stone representing Satan later in the Hajj, at Mina. Following the stoning, pilgrims will sacrifice animals on the first day of Eid-al Adha, joining millions of other Muslims around the world.
Pilgrims started to fill the streets of Arafat on Wednesday, where Saudi officials made the necessary preparations before the big gathering today.
 A Saudi security official wearing a protective mask keeps an eye on Muslim pilgrims as they pray at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. |
In the meantime, a heavy and unexpected rain in Mecca, which generally enjoys sunny and bright weather, led to some problems with the flow of the traffic in the city yesterday. While some pilgrims enjoyed the cool-down of a rainy day, others expressed concerns about the transportation problems the heavy rain could lead to.
Benzer Haberler 
World
