More than a million Muslim pilgrims are gathering at Mount Arafat, the most sacred site of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, to pray and reflect under extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to reach 42°C.
The prayers at Mount Arafat mark the spiritual high point of Hajj. It is the site where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon, emphasizing unity and equality among Muslims.
Read more: Hajj 2025 Saudi Arabia Issues Heatwave Alert
Located about 20 kilometers from Mecca, Mount Arafat holds profound religious significance. Pilgrims began arriving before sunrise, many walking in the pre-dawn darkness to avoid the sweltering heat. By morning, the hill and its surrounding plain were packed with worshippers, many with raised hands, some tearful, seeking forgiveness and blessings.
To prevent a repeat of last year’s deadly heatwave that claimed over a thousand lives, Saudi authorities expanded safety measures. They added 50,000 square meters of shaded areas, deployed over 400 cooling systems, and stationed thousands of healthcare workers across key sites.
Pilgrims will next head to Muzdalifah to gather pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual in Mina. Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, is a religious duty for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it once in their lifetime.
Authorities have also tightened controls to stop unauthorized pilgrims, employing drones, checkpoints, and mobile alerts to enforce permit regulations
