In highly spiritual, peaceful and serene atmospheres, millions of Muslim pilgrims started observing “the Standing at Arafat,” the ultimate pinnacle of Hajj, on Tuesday.
They will stay on the plains of Mount Arafat, near Holy Makkah, until sunset and then head to Muzdalifah – an open plain between Mount Arafat and Mina.
They spend the day chanting phrases of praise and glorification of Allah, the Almighty. Under this prescribed rite and according to Sunna (tradition) of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), the pilgrims will perform Al-Zuhr (the midday) and Al-Asr (afternoon) prayers in a conjoined and brief way.
Standing at Arafat, also known as the Day of Arafa, is observed annually by the Muslim pilgrim on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic calendar. Every year, the Saudi authorities make their utmost to ensure the safety and convenience of the pilgrims, deploying large numbers of security personnel and vehicles at all holy sites.
