Hajj Pilgrims Arrive at Arafat for Rituals Amid Strict Health Measures

Millions of Hajj pilgrims began arriving at the plains of Arafat on Tuesday, commencing the most significant pillar of their pilgrimage after spending the night in Mina. The arrival occurs amidst high temperatures and stringent organizational and health protocols implemented by Saudi authorities.

Pilgrims started their journey to the Namira Mosque to perform the Dhuhr and Asr prayers, combined and shortened, and to listen to the sermon of the Day of Arafat, a deeply spiritual annual tradition. The Saudi Press Agency reported that crowd movement was characterized by "high fluidity," supported by precise plans for managing pilgrim flow and providing essential services including water, cooling, and medical assistance.

The Namira Mosque, a key landmark in the holy sites, is historically associated with the Farewell Sermon delivered by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It covers an area of approximately 110,000 square meters and features six minarets and 64 gates to facilitate pilgrim access and egress.

Saudi authorities announced that over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived from outside the Kingdom for this year's Hajj, noting that the number of international pilgrims has surpassed last year's figures. In response to the significantly high temperatures, the Saudi Ministry of Health has intensified its health advisories, urging pilgrims to remain in their accommodations during peak heat hours until 4 PM, avoid direct sun exposure, use personal umbrellas, and drink plenty of water and fluids.

Ministry of Health spokesperson, Abdulaziz Abdul Baqi, stated that "the general health condition of the pilgrims is stable and safe," confirming that no outbreaks or significant epidemics have been recorded during the season thus far. Additional measures to mitigate heat effects have been deployed, including misting systems along pathways between Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, as well as shaded corridors and cooling stations distributing water.

According to the National Center of Meteorology, temperatures in Mecca have reached approximately 44 degrees Celsius in recent days, with relevant authorities identifying heatstroke as the primary health challenge during the Hajj season. Following sunset on the Day of Arafat, pilgrims are scheduled to proceed to Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night and collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) in Mina, marking the beginning of Eid al-Adha.