Labbaik Allahuma Labbaik!: Pilgrims stand in reverence at Arafat as Hajj reaches pinnacle
Arafat, Jun 5: As the golden sun ascended over Mount Arafat on Thursday, casting a radiant glow across the plains, around 2 million Hajj pilgrims stood in unified devotion on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah — the most sacred day of the pilgrimage.
From across the world, faithful hearts converged at this historic site, immersed in the rites of Wuquf in a spiritually transformative moment.
Arab News reported that despite sweltering temperatures that climbed to a searing 41 degrees Celsius, the gathering remained deeply solemn and organised – a reflection of faith and flawless planning.
Saudi Arabia authorities had braced for the intensity of the day, deploying over 400 cooling units and expanding shaded zones by 50,000 square meters.
Mist sprays lined the pathways, while cooled walkways and AI-driven crowd monitoring systems ensured the pilgrims' comfort and safety.
Thousands of medical personnel stood on high alert, with health warnings issued urging pilgrims to avoid direct sun and utilise umbrellas.
Marwa Al-Said, a visibly moved pilgrim from Egypt said, “The feeling that you’re standing in the very place where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) once stood… it’s overwhelming. We genuinely believe in Allah, and we are confident that, God willing, we will return with our sins forgiven. It’s a majestic scene. These crowds give you goosebumps.”
Rehman, a pilgrim from Indonesia, echoed her sentiment.
“I am very happy this year,” he said, overcome with emotion. “This journey — it’s a blessing. No Hajj without permission, this is very good for everyone this year.”
Saudi Gazette reported that the operational success of the movement to Arafat, confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, underscored a remarkable achievement in coordination and innovation.
Pilgrims were transported via the Mashair Train and modern buses in a staggered, well-regulated operation that avoided congestion and maintained high security throughout.
The Joint Operations and Dispatching Center, one of the season’s major innovations, linked service and regulatory bodies under a unified model.
Nazim Khalifa, an Indian pilgrim based in the US, shared his reflections saying, “This is a very important day for me. I never did Umrah or Hajj before. There were struggles in my life—financial and spiritual. But today, I stand here, saying ‘Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk.’ I hope this changes my life forever.”
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs also played a vital role, deploying multilingual awareness teams, and digital screens, and distributing over 200,000 brochures detailing Hajj rulings.
More than 15 million SMS messages were sent to guide pilgrims in real-time, enhancing the experience for pilgrims from diverse backgrounds.
Artificial Intelligence was integrated into the crowd control strategy, analysing live data to anticipate high-density zones and dynamically redirect groups as needed.
A 24/7 monitoring centre — bolstered by a smart camera network — ensured rapid decision-making in coordination with on-ground authorities.
The digital “Nusuk” card, linked to both Nusuk and Tawakkalna platforms, enabled precise tracking of pilgrim movement through QR codes, helping enforce timetables and eliminate bottlenecks.
The ministry affirmed that the seamless transition to Arafat is a cornerstone of this year’s Hajj operations.
As pilgrims prepare for their journey to Muzdalifah and later to Mina for the symbolic stoning ritual, authorities say the success of this phase reflects the resilience of a sustainable, intelligent operational model built around safety, spirituality, and innovation.
In the sweltering plains of Arafat, under the unrelenting sun, stood pilgrims united – in faith, in hope, and in prayer - seeking forgiveness, peace, and closeness to their Creator.
As the day of Arafat concluded, it was not only the heat of the desert that lingered in the air but also the profound sense of submission and grace that defines the essence of Hajj.
