On Thursday, thousands of Muslim pilgrims ascended Mount Arafat — also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy) — marking the spiritual climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. As pilgrims engaged in hours of prayers and Quran recitations, Saudi authorities issued strong warnings to avoid outdoor exposure during the hottest part of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., due to extreme heat.
Before dawn, pilgrims began gathering at the sacred hill and its surrounding plain, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon. Many arrived early, some carrying colorful umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun, determined to make the most of the relatively cooler morning hours. Dressed in white garments symbolizing purity and equality, hundreds were seen dotting the hillside while others prayed or took photographs at its base.
The day at Arafat, considered the most physically demanding segment of Hajj, will conclude at sunset, after which pilgrims will travel to Muzdalifah. There, they will collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina.
“I’ve watched this on TV every year and always prayed I’d be here someday,” said Ali, a 33-year-old pilgrim from Pakistan. “I’ve been trying to make this journey for the past three years. Standing here today, I feel incredibly blessed.”
With temperatures already soaring above 40°C this year, Saudi officials have significantly enhanced heat mitigation measures to avoid a repeat of last year, when 1,301 pilgrims died amid a brutal heatwave that reached nearly 52°C. Over 250,000 officials from more than 40 government agencies have been deployed, and infrastructure has been upgraded to improve crowd safety and health services.
Efforts include expanding shaded areas by 50,000 square meters, deploying more than 400 cooling units, and increasing the number of medical personnel on standby. Mist-spraying fans were also set up at the base of Mount Arafat to help cool pilgrims.
“I arrived early to avoid the worst heat,” said Adel Ismail, a 54-year-old from Syria. “Later, I’ll return to my tent to pray in shade.”
Authorities are also strictly enforcing registration rules. In 2024, a majority of the fatalities were among unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to air-conditioned tents and buses. This year, tighter controls are in place, including increased drone surveillance, raids, and SMS alerts aimed at preventing unauthorized entry into Makkah.
Hajj permits, distributed by country-specific quotas and often determined by lottery, remain expensive and competitive. The high cost drives many to attempt the pilgrimage without proper documentation, risking arrest and deportation if caught.
For many, the journey remains a lifelong dream. “I’ve waited 10 years for this,” said Iman Abdel Khaleq, tearfully speaking from the base of Mount Arafat. “I nearly gave up hope. Being here is an emotional, unforgettable blessing.”
Hajj is not only a deeply spiritual experience for Muslims worldwide but also a significant economic contributor for Saudi Arabia, generating billions of dollars annually alongside the year-round Umrah pilgrimage.
