Millions Gather at Mount Arafat for Hajj 2025
Thursday marked a sacred milestone in the Islamic calendar as Muslim pilgrims from across the world gathered at Mount Arafat, located just outside Makkah, to observe the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage. This day, known as the Day of Arafah, is revered for its deep spiritual significance. It commemorates the moment when Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) delivered his final sermon on this very site. As temperatures soared, reaching above 40°C, Saudi officials issued strict guidelines urging pilgrims to avoid exposure during peak sun hours and implemented enhanced heat protection measures to safeguard attendees.
Early Morning Devotion Amid Rising Temperatures
From the earliest hours of the morning, thousands of pilgrims made their way toward the rocky outcrop and the expansive plain of Arafat. Many sought to arrive before sunrise to begin their prayers and recitation of the Quran in relatively cooler conditions. The landscape quickly transformed into a sea of white as pilgrims dressed in simple ihram garments stood in prayer, clutching umbrellas to shield themselves from the desert sun. Though some pilgrims chose to ascend the mount itself, most remained at its base, seeking shade, spiritual focus, and divine connection in a moment they had awaited for years.
Pilgrims Share Deeply Emotional Moments
Among the millions was Ali, a 33-year-old from Pakistan, who expressed profound gratitude as he gazed at the mount. For three years, he had tried to secure a Hajj permit, and standing at Arafat was the realization of a long-cherished dream. He described the experience as deeply moving, saying he had only seen these images on television before. His sentiments were echoed by others, including Iman Abdel Khaleq, a woman in her fifties, who revealed that she had waited a decade for this moment. Her eyes filled with tears as she reached the base of the hill, overwhelmed by a mix of joy and spiritual fulfilment.
Authorities Urge Caution Amid Extreme Heat
To protect pilgrims from heat-related illnesses, Saudi officials had earlier urged all attendees to remain within their tents between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The midday sun in Arafat is particularly harsh, and health advisories were widely circulated. Authorities also provided support by installing fans that sprayed cooling mist and deploying mobile health teams across the area. Adel Ismail, a 54-year-old pilgrim from Syria, said he came early to avoid the intense heat and planned to pray inside his tent later in the day. His approach reflected the broader guidance issued to all pilgrims for safety.
Enhanced Infrastructure and Safety Operations in Place
Saudi Arabia left little to chance in managing the 2025 Hajj, especially in the wake of last year’s crisis when over 1,300 pilgrims, many of them unregistered, succumbed to extreme heat. In preparation for this year’s event, the Kingdom expanded shaded zones by over 50,000 square meters, increased the number of cooling stations, and mobilized thousands of medical professionals across Arafat and other key Hajj locations. The government’s efforts involved more than 40 agencies and over 250,000 officials working together to coordinate one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world.
Journey Continues from Arafat to Muzdalifah
After the sun sets over Mount Arafat, pilgrims are required to move to Muzdalifah, a location between Arafat and the tent city of Mina. Here, they spend the night and collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning ritual, which occurs in Mina the following day. This ritual, called the “stoning of the devil,” involves throwing pebbles at three pillars and is a re-enactment of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) rejection of Satan’s temptation. Though many pilgrims are physically exhausted by the end of their day at Arafat, their spiritual motivation drives them to continue with unwavering dedication.
Saudi Crackdown on Unauthorized Pilgrims
One of the critical challenges during the Hajj season is the presence of unregistered pilgrims who attempt to bypass the official permit system. In 2024, a majority of the heat-related deaths occurred among those without official access to air-conditioned tents, transportation, or health services. This year, authorities took strict measures to prevent unauthorized entry. Security personnel carried out frequent checks and raids, employed drone surveillance, and used mass communication channels to warn individuals attempting illegal pilgrimage routes. The government reiterated that performing Hajj without a valid permit carries not only the risk of legal consequences but also significant health dangers.
Limited Permits and High Demand
Hajj permits are distributed to each country through a quota-based system, and within those limits, pilgrims are selected either via government-run lotteries or licensed travel agencies. This system means that millions of Muslims may wait for years before receiving a permit. Even those who receive permits often face high financial costs, making the pilgrimage a significant economic undertaking. Despite these challenges, many continue to seek alternate routes, which authorities discourage due to the logistical complications and safety risks involved.
Technological Integration Supports Crowd and Heat Management
With more than 1.5 million people in attendance, the Saudi government utilized advanced technology to help manage the crowds and improve safety outcomes. Real-time thermal monitoring, facial recognition, and GPS-enabled apps helped officials track crowd movement and direct people away from congested areas. Mist fans, hydration stations, and multilingual guidance materials were widely available. These tools played a vital role in maintaining order, especially during peak prayer times and movement between sacred sites like Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina. The integration of smart technologies represents a broader effort by the Kingdom to modernize Hajj logistics while preserving tradition.
Spiritual Unity and Global Muslim Identity
The Day of Arafat carries immense weight in Islam, not only for those physically present but also for Muslims around the world. While pilgrims prayed under the desert sun, millions globally fasted, supplicated, and engaged in reflection, uniting the global Muslim community in spiritual observance. The Hajj pilgrimage underscores the egalitarian ethos of Islam, as believers from every country, ethnicity, and background stand shoulder to shoulder in prayer. The sight of pilgrims immersed in devotion atop Mount Arafat remains one of the most powerful symbols of unity in the Muslim world.
