Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat during the highlight of Hajj

Tuesday 26 May 2026 - 09:15

More than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims gathered Tuesday on Mount Arafat for the most significant stage of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, as temperatures climbed above 40 degrees Celsius.

From early morning, worshippers assembled on and around the sacred hill, located near Mecca, to pray, recite the Quran and seek spiritual reflection. The site holds special importance in Islam because it is believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon.

The Day of Arafat is considered the spiritual peak of Hajj, drawing millions of Muslims from around the world every year. Pilgrims spend hours in prayer and contemplation, asking for forgiveness and expressing devotion.

Following sunset, pilgrims are expected to travel to Muzdalifah, where they will collect small stones for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual scheduled for the following day.

Authorities have implemented extensive health and safety measures due to the intense desert heat and the large crowds gathered in open areas with limited shade. Medical teams, cooling stations and emergency services have been deployed to help prevent heat-related illnesses among pilgrims.

This year’s pilgrimage is also taking place amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Ongoing diplomatic negotiations involving the United States and Iran over regional security issues have drawn international attention, particularly after recent instability affecting Gulf countries.

According to Iranian media reports, around 30,000 Iranian pilgrims traveled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year, significantly fewer than initially expected due to the regional situation. Meanwhile, international discussions surrounding relations between Arab states and Israel continue to influence the broader political atmosphere during the pilgrimage season.

Despite regional tensions and extreme temperatures, millions of pilgrims continue to participate in the Hajj, reflecting one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings and a powerful symbol of unity in the Muslim world.