ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia: Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims gathered at Mount Arafat on Thursday for the most sacred day of Hajj, enduring extreme heat as they followed in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Saudi authorities urged worshippers to avoid outdoor exposure during peak temperatures, deploying mist sprays and cooling stations to mitigate health risks.
Pilgrims began arriving before dawn, some carrying umbrellas for shade, while others climbed the rocky hill where the Prophet (PBUH) delivered his final sermon. Many spent hours in prayer and Quran recitation, despite temperatures exceeding 40°C. After sunset, they moved to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual.
“This is a dream come true,” said Ali, 33, from Pakistan, among 1.5 million pilgrims attending this year’s Hajj. Saudi officials have ramped up safety measures after last year’s deadly heatwave, which claimed over 1,300 lives. Expanded infrastructure, additional medical teams, and crowd-control technology aim to prevent similar tragedies.