Mount Arafat, known as Jabal Arafat in Arabic, is a sacred hill located about 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah. Standing around 70 meters high, Mount Arafat holds immense spiritual importance in Islam, particularly during the Hajj pilgrimage, as it is the site where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon. This hill is also central to the Day of Arafah, one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar.
Mount Arafat has a deep connection to early prophets and their history. According to Islamic tradition, it is believed that Prophet Adam and his wife, Hawwa (Eve), were reunited on the plain of Arafat after being sent down from paradise. Their reunion symbolizes the forgiveness and mercy of Allah, setting a precedent for the themes of repentance and renewal that are associated with the mount.
Mount Arafat is most notable for its role in the Hajj pilgrimage, where the day spent at Arafat, known as “The Day of Arafah,” is the pinnacle of the entire pilgrimage. Standing at Mount Arafat is an essential ritual for Hajj; without it, the pilgrimage is considered incomplete. Pilgrims gather at the mount on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, and spend the day in prayer, reflection, and seeking forgiveness.
On this day, millions of Muslims from around the world stand on the vast plain of Arafat, praying and supplicating to Allah. The event symbolizes the equality of all Muslims before Allah, as all pilgrims dress in simple white garments, regardless of social or economic background.
One of the most significant events at Mount Arafat occurred during the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) farewell pilgrimage in 632 CE. On this occasion, he delivered his final sermon, a profound message emphasizing the equality of all humans, the importance of justice, and the core principles of Islam. He reminded Muslims to treat each other with kindness, to uphold human rights, and to follow the teachings of the Quran and his Sunnah. This sermon has become an enduring legacy of Islamic ethics and morals.
The entire plain surrounding Mount Arafat is sacred, not just the hill itself. Pilgrims who cannot reach the mount itself can still fulfill their obligation by standing anywhere on the plain. This day of gathering at Arafat is marked by intense spiritual reflection and worship, as Muslims consider it a time when Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are abundantly granted to those who seek it sincerely.
To accommodate the vast number of pilgrims each year, Saudi Arabia has developed infrastructure on the plain of Arafat, including roads, tents, and water stations. Despite the modern additions, Mount Arafat remains a serene and humbling place, where pilgrims can fully immerse themselves in worship and seek closeness to Allah.
Today, Mount Arafat continues to be a symbol of humility, equality, and spirituality. Muslims around the world hold the Day of Arafah in high esteem, as it offers an opportunity for prayer, fasting (for non-pilgrims), and seeking forgiveness, even for those not present on the mount. The spirit of Arafat emphasizes unity, mercy, and spiritual renewal, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of pilgrims.
