3 Million Muslims converge at Mt. Arafat for Hajj

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

EID-thahunuyaa-EnglishNearly 3 million Muslims from different parts of the world have converged in Mt Arafat, a rocky desert outside the Holy city of Mecca to perform one of the most important rituals of Hajj pilgrimage. Hajj, one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, is performed during the first ten days of the lunar month of Zulhajja. The pilgrims wearing white robes spend the day seeking forgiveness marking the climax of Hajj. Chanting, I am at your service, Allah, I am at Your service they will stand at Arafat till sunset in the most spiritual moment of the Hajj. They will pray, supplicate and recite Quran till sunset. There they will also combine Zhur and Asru prayes after listening to the Hajj sermon delivered by one of the chief Imams of Makah in Masjid Namira. The importance of staying in Arafat is amply underlined by the Prophet when he said, “Arafat is Hajj”. Hajj will not be complete without staying in Arafat on the 9th day of Zulhajja.

It was there in 10th year of Hijra, 1420 years ago, Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace-be-upon-him, delivered his last sermon which culminated the completion of his prophetic mission and laid down important principles and guidance together with the necessary ethics and values to be a good Muslim and get the best out of this world and hereafter. The Prophets message contained sublime messages on human rights, justice universal brotherhood and kindness.

Mt. Arafat is a 70 metre high granite hill to the east of Mecca. Jabalu Rahma or Mountain of Mercy is situated here. It was on Mt. Arafat that Prophet Adam and Hawwa separated for 200 years following their expulsion from the Paradise, recognized each other and were reunited. Here too they were forgiven by Allah Merciful for their transgression. In present times pilgrims performing Hajj must stand here on the Day of Arafat in a state of Ihram in prayers and supplication seeking Allah’s forgives and mercy.

The Arafat sermon delivered by Imams mainly calls and inspire on the universality of Islam and its relevance to all times. Remembering and praising Allah Most Merciful, and reaffirming the unshaken belief on the Oneness of Allah, the sermon broadly calls Muslims to remain pious and steady in their faith and perform the prayers ordained to them by Allah. Muslims are reminded to refrain from wrongs and do good deeds.
The Imam has always stressed the importance of respecting and helping and being kind to one another as Islam is a religion of compassion and respect. It also focuses on education and learning as a means for human development and advancement. The role of youth and women as well as brining up children, have always dominated the sermon.

As Islam is a religion of peace and compassion, the Hajj sermon advocates these virtues and severely condemns violence, terrorism and inhuman actions. It also expresses grave concern and sorrow over the sufferings of innocent peoples and communities whose rights and freedom are deprived and calls for the restoration of rights and freedom of such people. The sufferings and inhuman treatment caused to the Palestinian people is severely deplored in the sermon.
In recent years, this important sermon was delivered by the Mufty of Mecca Sheikh Aal and was watched by millions of Muslims around the world on their TV channels.
Many international TV channels such as CNN, BBC, ABC, NBC, AFP, Reuters and others will cover the Hajj.

Saudi authorities have made their best arrangements for the safety and convenience of pilgrims. Convenient health facilities and care are available for the pilgrims while easy excess and speedy care with efficient handling and management of the H1N1 pandemic is ensured by the Health Ministry. Majority of pilgrims have taken vaccine to protect themselves from the pandemic. 10 million free meals have been provided to the pilgrims by Saudi businessmen and welfare organizations. Saudi Home Ministry has also made stringent security arrangements and has promised a safe Hajj. The ministry said they do not expect infiltrations to launch a surprise attack during the Hajj season.

Maldives is among the countries where proportionately large number of pilgrims performs the Hajj. The largest numbers of pilgrims come from Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey and Iran. A growing number of pilgrims from Europe and Americas also visit Mecca to perform the Hajj. Muslim population has grown to 1.7 billion last year which indicates the number of Muslims is increasing fast.

Ihraam at Meegaat, Tawaaf for Hajj, Sau for Hajj, staying at Arafat on the day of 10 Zulhajja, to spend the night or part in Muzdalifah, to cast pebbles at the Jamrat, to shave and cut the hair, women only to cut a small peace, to spend the night of Tashreek in Mina, to perform Tawaful Wadaau before leaving Mecca, constitute pillars and obligatory rites of Hajj. Pilgrims also make a voluntary visit to the Holy mosque and grave of the Prophet in Medina.

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