Millions of pilgrims to observe Wuquf-e-Arafat, the pinnacle of Hajj, today

MAKKAH – The central and most significant rite of Hajj, Wuquf-e-Arafat (Standing at Arafat), is being observed today by millions of pilgrims, including over 115,000 from Pakistan. After spending the night in Mina, pilgrims have begun arriving at the plains of Arafat, where they will listen to the Hajj sermon at Masjid Namira and perform combined Zuhr and Asr prayers.

The Wuquf, which takes place between Asr and Maghrib, is the spiritual climax of Hajj. Pilgrims will stand in supplication, praying for forgiveness, mercy, and blessings. It is believed to be the most important day of the pilgrimage.

At sunset, a cannon will signal the end of Wuquf-e-Arafat. Pilgrims will then proceed, without offering Maghrib prayer, to Muzdalifah, where they will combine Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night under the open sky, collecting pebbles for the ritual stoning.

The next morning, after offering Fajr prayer, the pilgrims will return to Mina at sunrise to begin the ritual of Ramy al-Jamarat (stoning of the devil). On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, they will throw seven pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamrat al-Aqaba), symbolizing rejection of evil.

This will be followed by animal sacrifice, a key ritual of Eid al-Adha. Pilgrims will then shave or trim their hair (Halq or Taqsir), exit the state of Ihram, and don regular clothing.

On the 11th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrims will continue the stoning ritual, throwing seven pebbles at each of the three pillars — representing the devil’s temptations.

After the stoning, the pilgrims will travel to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Ziyarah, an essential rite of Hajj.

On the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrims will again perform Ramy at all three pillars after midday. Those who wish to stay another day in Mina may complete the final stoning on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah before returning to Makkah.

With the completion of the rituals, the Hajj pilgrimage concludes.

The pilgrims will then perform Tawaf al-Wida (farewell circumambulation) before departing. Many will proceed to Madina to pay homage to Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH).