Muslim pilgrims gathered on Mount Arafat on Thursday, marking the spiritual peak of the annual hajj pilgrimage. As the sun rose over the sacred site, thousands arrived before dawn to pray and recite the Quran, honoring the location where Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final sermon.
With temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F), Saudi authorities urged pilgrims to avoid outdoor exposure during peak heat hours, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The warning comes in light of last year’s deadly heatwave, which claimed over 1,300 lives during the pilgrimage.
This year, more than 1.5 million registered pilgrims are attending hajj. To ensure their safety, the Saudi government has mobilized over 250,000 personnel and expanded shaded areas by 50,000 square meters. More than 400 cooling units and thousands of medical staff have been deployed to minimize heat-related illnesses.
Following their prayers on Arafat, pilgrims will move to Muzdalifah after sunset to collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina. Security has also been tightened to prevent unregistered pilgrims from entering Mecca, with authorities conducting raids and using drone surveillance to enforce permit rules.
Despite the challenges, pilgrims like 33-year-old Ali from Pakistan expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to attend, calling it a lifelong dream fulfilled. Saudi Arabia continues to balance spiritual fulfillment with logistical safety in one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world.
