Millions of Muslims gathered on Arafat plains Tuesday for Waqoof-e-Arafat, climax of Hajj. Chants echoed across desert under temperatures reaching 44 degrees Celsius.
White-robed pilgrims moved towards Mount Arafat from dawn. They recited Quranic verses, prayed and wept while seeking forgiveness and mercy on holiest day in Islamic calendar.
Arafat plains symbolized unity with pilgrims of all races, languages standing side by side. Volunteers distributed water, food, parasols amid intense heat. Helicopters circled overhead as health teams remained alert.
1.5 million participated despite regional tensions following Middle East conflict. Overseas pilgrim arrivals surpassed last year’s figures.
Imam Sheikh Dr Ali Al-Hudhaify urged unity, piety and accountability in sermon from Masjid al-Namirah. Sermon centered on Tawheed, patience, gratitude, sincerity in worship.
He stressed Hajj represented unity of Muslim Ummah beyond divisions. He warned against disputes, division and political slogans during Hajj. “Submission to Allah” was the only acceptable response.
Authorities intensified heat protection measures following deaths of over 1,300 pilgrims last year. Over 50,000 healthcare workers deployed this year along with 3,000 ambulances. Additional shaded areas and cooling facilities were introduced.