10Feb2003 Two Million Pilgrims stand in Arafat

Arafat, Saudi Arabia, 10th February 2003

Two million pilgrims early on Monday morning moved from Mina, where they had spent their night, to Arafat.

The pilgrims will spend the day in Arafat and return to Muzdalifa after sunset, in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). The pilgrims’ ‘standing’ in Arafat is the pinnacle of Hajj.

Thanks to the excellent arrangements made by the relevant Saudi authorities, the pilgrims moved to Arafat with ease. All necessary services and facilities, including medical facilities, fresh water and foodstuffs, are available in Arafat.

The security forces, traffic officials, civil defence personnel, and scout cadets are standing by to provide the pilgrims with all possible services. Helicopters were flying in the morning over the plains of Arafat to contribute to the smooth progress of the pilgrims.

The pilgrims are today scheduled to perform Dhuhr (noon) and ‘Asr (afternoon) prayers collectively at Al-Namirah Mosque in Arafat. They will spend the night in Muzdalifa and return to Mina after sunrise on Tuesday. In Mina, the pilgrims will throw stones at ”Jamarat”, sacrifice animals, and cut their hair. On the same day, they will move to Makkah to perform the ritual of Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Holy Kaaba.

Source: SPA

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