Over 1.5 million Muslims endured extreme heat to gather at Mount Arafat on Saturday for the pinnacle of the yearly hajj pilgrimage. Their prayers, lasting hours, included a special focus on the Palestinians in war-torn Gaza.
Dressed in white, worshippers began their ascent at dawn for the most challenging day of the pilgrimage, scaling the rocky 70-meter hill where it is believed that Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon.
“This day holds immense significance,” said 46-year-old Egyptian Mohammed Asser, who arrived prepared with a list of prayers. “I am also praying for the Palestinians. May God assist them.”
This year’s hajj coincides with the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, initiated by a noteworthy attack by Palestinian militants on southern Israel on October 7.
The violence has led to the deaths of 1,194 individuals, predominantly civilians, according to Israeli sources.
In response, Israel’s military actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 37,266 people in Gaza, primarily civilians as well, as reported by the Hamas-controlled health ministry in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s official overseeing religious pilgrimages, Tawfiq al-Rabiah, cautioned last week that no political activities would be allowed during the hajj.
However, one pilgrim still voiced support for the Palestinians enduring ongoing bombardment, chanting words of solidarity during the pilgrimage.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also extended a message to hajj pilgrims, emphasizing the importance of supporting the unyielding resistance of Palestine and Gaza’s oppressed population.
About 2,000 Palestinians are participating in the hajj through a special invitation from Saudi King Salman, as announced by official media outlets.
– ‘Scorching’ temperatures –
The hajj, considered one of the largest religious gatherings globally, is increasingly impacted by climate change. A recent Saudi study highlighted that regional temperatures are escalating by 0.4 degrees Celsius every decade.
The rituals, which span over five days and are predominantly conducted outdoors, pose challenges due to the intense heat, noted Abraman Hawa, a 26-year-old visitor from Ghana.
“Although we have the sun, the heat is not as severe in my homeland. Nevertheless, I will beseech Allah’s support at Arafat,” she mentioned.
The temperature was forecasted to reach 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday, creating difficulties for pilgrims who spent the previous night in a large tented city in Mina, a valley outside Mecca, the holiest city in Islam.
Saudi authorities have advised pilgrims to stay hydrated and shield themselves from the sun. Since men are not permitted to wear hats, many carry umbrellas for protection.
Last year, more than 10,000 cases of heat-related illnesses were recorded, including 10% diagnosed with heat stroke, a Saudi official disclosed to AFP this week.
Ahmad Karim Abdelsalam, a 33-year-old pilgrim from India, acknowledged feeling a bit apprehensive about spending extended hours on Mount Arafat. However, with the aid of an umbrella and water sprays, he expressed hope that everything would proceed smoothly.
– ‘Once in a lifetime’ –
The hajj is among Islam’s five pillars, and every Muslim with the means is required to undertake it at least once in their lifetime.
However, obtaining visas, allotted to individual countries based on a quota system, can be a challenging task.
“This is a unique opportunity that comes around only once, and I couldn’t miss it,” stated Abdulrahman Siyam, a 55-year-old Iraqi pilgrim who was fulfilling the rites despite having a prosthetic leg.
Post Mount Arafat, the pilgrims will proceed to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina on Sunday.
The hajj is known to replicate the journey of Prophet Mohammed’s final pilgrimage approximately 1,400 years ago.
It serves as a vital source of legitimacy for the Al Saud dynasty, with the monarch holding the title “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques” in Mecca and Medina.
Moreover, the hajj proves to be a significant financial boon for Saudi Arabia, actively promoting religious tourism as part of its efforts to reduce reliance on oil revenue.
With over 1.8 million pilgrims attending the hajj last year, around 90% of whom were international visitors, the country also welcomed 13.5 million Muslims for the umrah pilgrimage that can be done throughout the year, aiming to attract a total of 30 million pilgrims by 2030.
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