MAKKAH (MNN); Hajj pilgrims followed the sacred route of Prophet Muhammad’s farewell pilgrimage nearly 1,400 years ago as the annual pilgrimage reached its most significant stage at Arafat.
After the sermon, pilgrims offered Zuhr and Asr prayers together in shortened form in accordance with prophetic tradition, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The sermon and congregational prayers were attended by senior officials, including Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and Saleh Al-Fawzan.
The Namirah Mosque remains one of the holiest landmarks in the pilgrimage sites, as it is closely linked to the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon. Named after Mount Namirah, the mosque lies north of Arafat, around 22 kilometres from the Grand Mosque, and is regarded as the second-largest mosque in the holy sites area.
Earlier, the Makkah General Transport Centre announced that the movement of pilgrims to Arafat was completed by 7:56am — nearly two hours earlier than last year’s Haj schedule. Transportation was carried out through shuttle buses, traditional transport services and the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro.
After sunset, pilgrims departed Arafat for Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night before heading to Mina to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual after collecting pebbles.
Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the Day of Arafat, said Pakistan prayed for peace, security and stability across the world.
Extending greetings to Muslims around the world, especially those performing Haj, the prime minister urged the Muslim Ummah to uphold unity, sacrifice and collective responsibility.
He said the Day of Arafat offers believers a unique opportunity to seek the mercy and blessings of Allah Almighty and that the gathering of millions of pilgrims reflects the unity and shared responsibility of the Muslim Ummah.
“The secret of true national and collective progress lies in love, sacrifice and mutual cooperation,” he said, while praying for the acceptance of the pilgrims’ Haj and for peace, justice, tolerance and brotherhood across the world.
