Muslim pilgrims head to Mount Arafat for peak of Hajj pilgrimage

Around 1.8 million Muslim pilgrims made their way to the plains of Mount Arafat in western Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, at the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Security forces deployed along routes and walkways closely monitored pilgrim convoys to manage crowds in line with approved plans, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The agency reported smooth traffic as pilgrims traveled from Mina to Arafat. At Arafat, pilgrims will perform midday and afternoon prayers together in shortened form at the Namirah Mosque.

Rituals and schedule

At sunset, pilgrims will proceed to Muzdalifah, where they will perform sunset and night prayers and remain overnight until dawn. Hajj rituals officially began Monday with pilgrims arriving in Mina, west of Mecca. The six-day season includes the standing at Arafat on Tuesday, overnight stays in Muzdalifah, the symbolic stoning of the devil, and the farewell circumambulation at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The rituals commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham and his family. Saudi authorities have expanded organizational and security measures, including surveillance technologies and crowd-monitoring systems, to manage pilgrim movement and prevent unauthorized entry.