The significance of Arafat Day

CAIRO - 20 August 2018: Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, Eid El-Adha is one of the two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide on a yearly basis and is not only about enjoying our three to four day holiday from work.

Muslims all over the world are celebrating Eid El-Adha and those lucky enough to be at Hajj will walk from Mina to Mount Arafat on Monday, the place where Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) gave his last sermon before his death.

Buses and vehicles will be available to transport the pilgrims from Mecca to Mina, while some prefer to walk despite the heat. They will then proceed to climb Mount Arafat to pray and read Quran.

In his last sermon, prophet Mohammed (PBUH) spoke about the importance of treating women well, the five prayers, the holy month of Ramadan and equality.

This day is also known as the day of repentance; hence, those who did not go to Hajj, or are unable to go, can spend their day fasting to repent their sins.

The Minister of Awqaf, Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa, said that the Day of Arafat is a day of God’s mercy on the pilgrims and all believers.

He added that this is the greatest day during pilgrimage because it is the day of mercy; the day of forgiveness that God will not deprive anyone from. The minister also explained that, on this day, God opens his doors for forgiveness and mercy.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, Saudi Interior Ministry Security Spokesman Mansour al-Turki said that they are ready to receive over 2 million pilgrims from Mecca to Mina and then off to Mount Arafat.

The Egyptian Gazette said that 50 buses are going to be used to help elderly pilgrims get to Mount Arafat. Around 12 Egyptians already died during Hajj, so pilgrims are being urged to follow instructions of Saudi security personnel.