PHOTO NEWS: Nigerians, Other Pilgrims At Mount Arafah To Observe Hajj’s Pivotal Day
Thousands of Nigerian pilgrims have converged on Mount Arafah in Saudi Arabia, joining over 1.5 million Muslims from around the globe to observe the Day of Arafat, considered the pinnacle of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the sacred rite, which involves standing in prayer and reflection from noon until sunset, is a mandatory component of Hajj, without which the pilgrimage is deemed incomplete.
Mount Arafah, located approximately 20 kilometres southeast of Mecca, holds profound significance as the site where Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon.
The Nigerian contingent, comprising over 64,000 pilgrims, arrived at the plain of Arafat early Thursday morning, braving temperatures that soared above 40°C.
To mitigate the effects of the intense heat, Saudi authorities have implemented various measures, including the installation of misting fans, provision of shaded areas, and distribution of umbrellas and water bottles to pilgrims.
Health officials have also advised pilgrims to remain within shaded tents during peak heat hours to prevent heat-related illnesses.
In addition to these precautions, the Saudi government has deployed over 250,000 personnel from more than 40 agencies to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims.
Advanced technologies, such as AI-powered surveillance drones, have been introduced to monitor crowd movements and enforce regulations, including the “No Hajj Without a Permit” policy. These measures aim to prevent incidents like the tragic stampede of 2015 and the heat-related fatalities of 2024.
Following the conclusion of prayers at Arafat, pilgrims will proceed to Muzdalifah, where they will collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina. This act commemorates Prophet Abraham’s rejection of Satan’s temptation and is performed over the subsequent days of Hajj.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
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