Hundreds of thousands of faithful from around the globe thronged to the plains of Arafat to perform Wuqoof-e-Arafat, the greatest pillar of Hajj.
Radio Pakistan correspondent Asad Ullah Khan reports from the Arafat in Makkah that the convoys of Pakistani pilgrims departed for Arafat last night, shortly after Isha prayer.
Throughout the night, other groups continued to arrive under the guidance of Pakistan Hajj Mission, filling the vast plain with the sound of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik.”
This year, the Hajj sermon will be delivered by Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaify, Imam of Masjid-e-Nabawi. The Saudi Government has made arrangements for broadcasting the Hajj sermon in 35 languages, including Urdu, Punjabi, and Pashto for the greater understanding of non-Arabic speaking pilgrims.
Immediately after the sermon, the pilgrims will offer combined and shortened Zuhr and Asr prayers in their tents, as per Sunnah.
They will then spend the rest of the day in supplication, remembrance, and personal prayers, remaining in a state of devotion until sunset.
The pilgrims stand shoulder to shoulder, seeking forgiveness and mercy from Almighty Allah. Special prayers are being offered across Arafat for the peace, security, and forgiveness of Pakistan and the entire Ummah.
After sunset, the pilgrims will depart for Muzdalifah to collect pebbles and prepare for the Rami al-Jamarat ritual.
