Huge numbers of Muslim pilgrims gathered on Mount Arafat on Tuesday as the Hajj pilgrimage reached its spiritual climax, with temperatures rising close to 40°C under the harsh desert sun.
From early morning, thousands of worshippers dressed in white robes recited verses from the Quran on the 70-metre rocky hill near Mecca, where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final sermon.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
More than 1.5 million pilgrims are participating in this year’s pilgrimage, despite heightened regional tensions linked to the ongoing US and Israeli conflict with Iran, which has affected travel patterns across parts of the Middle East.
Iran reportedly sent more than 30,000 pilgrims this year, significantly lower than the 86,000 initially expected, with officials citing “wartime conditions” for the decline.
Despite the disruptions, Saudi authorities said the number of international pilgrims has still exceeded last year’s figures, showing continued global participation in the religious obligation.
During recent days, temperatures in Mecca have reached as high as 44°C, prompting Saudi officials to issue safety warnings urging pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during outdoor rituals.
Because male pilgrims are not permitted to wear head coverings during the rites, many rely on umbrellas to shield themselves from the intense heat.
After their time on Mount Arafat, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah to spend the night and collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina, which begins on Wednesday.
The Hajj follows the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad’s final pilgrimage over 1,400 years ago and remains one of the most significant annual religious gatherings in the world.
Saudi Arabia, which hosts the pilgrimage, continues to view the Hajj as both a spiritual responsibility and a key element of its global religious leadership.
