The departure from Arafat is one of the most important moments of the Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims. This is the point at which the pilgrims stand before Allah and ask for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.
Day of Arafat
On the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Hajj pilgrims make their way from Mina to the plain of Arafat, which is located around 20 kilometers east of Mecca. This journey is known as the “Day of Arafat” and is considered to be the most important day of the Hajj. The pilgrims spend the entire day in prayers, supplications, and reflection, seeking forgiveness and blessings from Allah.
Forgiveness and Resolution
The standing on the plain of Arafat is the main ritual of the Hajj, and it is considered to be the climax of the pilgrimage. It is a time for the pilgrims to reflect on their lives, ask for forgiveness for their sins, and make personal resolutions for the future. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has said that “Hajj is Arafat” and this day is considered to be the most important of the Hajj.
At sunset, the Hajj pilgrims leave the plain of Arafat and begin the journey to Muzdalifah, which is located about 3 kilometers away. They combine the Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night there.
The next day, the Hajj pilgrims return to Mina, where they throw pebbles at the three pillars (symbolic of Satan) and perform the animal sacrifice (Qurbani). After that, they cut or shave their hair and remove the Ihram. This marks the end of the Hajj and the beginning of the Eid al-Adha celebrations.
The departure from Arafat is a deeply spiritual and emotional moment for the Hajj pilgrims. It is a time to reflect on one’s past, ask for forgiveness, and make personal resolutions for the future. The Hajj is not only a physical journey but also a spiritual one, and the departure from Arafat is an important step on this journey.
It is important to note that in recent years, the Saudi authorities have implemented a number of measures to increase the safety and security of the Hajj, including limiting the number of people who can attend and requiring that all pilgrims be vaccinated against COVID-19. It is important to keep in mind that the Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are financially and physically able to make the journey, and it is important to plan accordingly and follow all guidelines and regulations set by the Saudi authorities.
If you’re planning to embark on a spiritual journey to Mecca for Umrah, you’ll need to secure an Umrah visa before your trip. Our easy-to-use Umrah visa form simplifies the process and helps you obtain your visa quickly and efficiently. Simply fill out the form with your personal and travel information, and we’ll take care of the rest.
