In Pics: Muslim pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat in Mecca

CAIRO – 10 August 2019: Hundred thousands of Muslim worshippers headed this morning to central Mecca’s Mount Arafat, also known as the Mount of Mercy, praying to God for forgiveness and blessings.

Going up the Mount of Mercy is an essential ritual of the Islamic Pilgrimage (Hajj) as the pilgrims should ascend it on the 9^th of Dhu al-Hijjah month (the 12^nd months of Islamic Calendar), ahead of a four-day celebration of al-Adha Feast.


A Muslim pilgrim prays on Mount of Mercy in Arafat ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 10, 2019. REUTERS/Waleed Ali


The sanctity of the granite mount for Muslims comes when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon for pilgrims some 1,400 years ago, calling for equality and unity among Muslims.


Muslim pilgrims, some holding parasols, pray on Mount of Mercy in Arafat ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 10, 2019. REUTERS/Waleed Ali


The Mount was given the name of “Arafat”, an Arabic word that means acquaintance and get together as Muslims from different parts of the world gather and acquaint each other.


Muslim pilgrims pray outside Namira Mosque on the plains of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 10, 2019. REUTERS/Umit Bektas


Furthermore, other Muslim scholars believe that the mount was named Arafat because it was the place where Adam and Eve met after descending from Heaven.


A Muslim pilgrim prays on Mount of Mercy in Arafat ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 10, 2019. REUTERS/Waleed Ali

On the following day, Muslims in Mecca and around the globe celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Grand Feast, and one of the two most important Islamic holidays.


A Muslim pilgrim prays on Mount of Mercy in Arafat ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 10, 2019. REUTERS/Waleed Ali

Eid al-Adha lasts for four days and honors the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his first-born son, Ismail, as an act of submission to God’s command.


Muslim pilgrims leave after a pray outside Namira Mosque on the plains of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 10, 2019. REUTERS/Umit Bektas