As the sun sets on the Day of Arafah, the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the most important pillar of Hajj, the most sublime displays of faith and devotion unfold on the sacred plains of Arafat. In these blessed moments, as hearts yearn for God and tears flow, the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Program, overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, arrived on the eve of this great day with humble hearts and bodies turned towards the Qibla, raising their hands in supplication to the heavens, carrying within them dreams, hopes, and aspirations from every corner of the earth.
The Day of Arafah is not merely a stop on the Hajj journey, but its culmination and heart. On this day, pilgrims stand on the plains of Arafat, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who delivered his historic Farewell Sermon from this blessed place. This day is a day of immense forgiveness, a day of deliverance from Hellfire, and a day of the completion of the religion and the perfection of God's favor, as stated in the verse: "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion." It is a majestic scene that brings together millions of Muslims of diverse nationalities, colors, and languages, all in the same attire, with the same purpose, and with the same supplication, in a living embodiment of the meanings of unity and equality in Islam.
In their camps in Arafat, the pilgrims spread out on the sacred ground, standing in supplication, making the most of the final hour of the Day of Arafat, their prayers filled with gratitude and hope. Their tears mingled with heartfelt prayers for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect them – for the generous gesture that enabled them to perform Hajj under the auspices of dignified hospitality and comprehensive services. These tremendous efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from providing advanced infrastructure to logistical, health, and security services, ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind, and reaffirm the Kingdom's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims.
Their prayers extended to their homelands and families, asking God to improve the conditions of Muslims everywhere, bring prosperity, and spread security and peace throughout the world. They were not forgetful of the wishes of their families and relatives; each pilgrim carries the responsibility of praying for those who were unable to make this great spiritual journey. They receive daily messages from their loved ones requesting their prayers from this blessed place, which they convey with hearts full of certainty that the gates of heaven are open on the Day of Arafah, and that prayers offered there are answered, God willing. This immense spiritual gathering strengthens the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sends a message of peace and solidarity to the entire world, reaffirming the noble values of our true religion.
