Millions of Muslims worldwide have gathered at the plain of Arafat for the sacred Hajj rituals. Today, from sunrise to sunset, pilgrims will stand in devotion, reciting the Talbiyah: 'Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Innal Hamda Wannemata Laka Wal Mulk, La Shareeka Lak.' This means, 'Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner, all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty is Yours.'
Standing at Arafat is the core ritual of Hajj. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, 'Standing at Arafat is Hajj' (Musnad Ahmad 4/335). Hajj is a special ordinance of Allah and one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory for all Muslims who are financially and physically capable.
As the sun sets, pilgrims will offer heartfelt prayers, seeking forgiveness, mercy, and blessings from Allah. They will recite Allah's names, send prayers upon the Prophet, and make supplications for themselves, their families, neighbors, and the entire Muslim ummah.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, 'Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and refrains from obscene and sinful acts will return as pure as a newborn baby. The true reward of Hajj is Jannah' (Bukhari: 1/206).
Hajj rituals include circumambulating the Kaaba, standing at Arafat, running between Safa and Marwa, stoning the Jamarat, and sacrificing an animal. Each act carries unique significance and traditions, reflecting the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail, and Allah's unwavering faith and obedience.
The Saudi National Meteorological Center reports that temperatures in Mecca during Hajj can reach 44 degrees Celsius or higher.
After performing Fajr prayer at Muzdalifah, pilgrims will travel to Mina, where they will stone the Great Satan seven times, sacrifice an animal, shave their heads, and change into simple, seamless garments. They will then return to Mecca to perform Tawaf around the Kaaba.
Today, the Hajj sermon will be delivered from Masjid Namirah at Arafat. Pilgrims will perform Zuhr and Asr prayers after the sermon and remain at Arafat until sunset. They will then proceed to Muzdalifah to perform Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night there, collecting stones for stoning the Jamarat.
Pilgrims will perform 'Sa'i' (running seven times) between the hills of Safa and Marwa, then return to Mina. They will stone the three Jamarat (Great, Middle, and Small Satan) 21 times each day they remain in Mina. After performing the farewell Tawaf in Mecca, they will return to their home countries.
After stoning the Jamarat, pilgrims prepare for the animal sacrifice. Most will sacrifice an animal themselves or through a trusted person at Mustahalaka (the animal market and slaughter site). Some will deposit 720 Riyals in the Islamic Development Bank to perform the sacrifice.
Approximately 2.5 to 3 million devout Muslims from nearly 160 countries are currently in Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Bangladesh has sent 85,000 pilgrims. So far, 17 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died.
