As the sun reached its zenith over Mount Arafat, pilgrims from all corners of the world were joined and immersed in prayer and reflection on the most sacred day of Hajj. The weather was sweltering, with temperatures soaring to 41 Celsius, yet the spirit of the day was palpable.

Authorities had prepared for the heat, installing weather sprays along the roads leading to Arafat and expanding shaded areas by 50,000 sq m to shield pilgrims from the sun. Despite the challenges, the atmosphere was one of unity and reverence. 

Rehman, a pilgrim from Indonesia, stood in awe as he reflected on his experience: “I am Rehman from Indonesia, this year I am very happy.” His joy was infectious, a reminder of the blessings that came with this journey. “No Hajj without permission — this is very good for everyone this year.” 

Standing nearby was Marwa Al-Said from Egypt, her eyes glistening with emotion. “The feeling that you’re standing in the very place where the Prophet, peace be upon him, once stood, and the feeling that you’re entering a place where God is telling you, ‘your sins are forgiven,’ it’s truly 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.” 

She expressed her gratitude for the safety and organization this year: “I sincerely thank everyone involved in maintaining security. We feel completely safe. Honestly, it’s just safety, safety, safety. I swear by God, it really is.” 

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs also played a vital role, deploying teams and resources to enhance awareness among pilgrims. Awareness booths and digital screens offered guidance and answered inquiries in various languages. More than 200,000 brochures covering Hajj rulings were distributed, and more than 15 million text messages were sent to provide real-time guidance throughout the Hajj season. 

These collective efforts aimed to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims during this momentous occasion, a testament to their devotion and faith.