Makkah, (15 June 2024)  – The sacred plains of Arafat Maidan are reverberating today with the heartfelt chants of 'Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik' as millions of Muslims from over 150 countries, including Bangladesh, gather for the main ritual of Hajj. The pilgrims will spend the day here from sunrise to sunset, seeking forgiveness and blessings from Almighty Allah.

On Friday, the pilgrims had settled in Mina, having journeyed from Makkah I in their ihram attire, two pieces of unstitched white cloth symbolizing purity and equality. After the Fajr prayer on Saturday, they moved towards Arafat Maidan, ready to participate in the pivotal Hajj ritual.

Throughout the day at Arafat, the pilgrims will engage in prayers and supplications, asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy. The air is filled with the repeated declaration, "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaika La Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda, Wan Ni'mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Lak" – "I am here, O Allah. I am here. You have no partner. I am here. Surely all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner."

Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory act of worship for all financially and physically able Muslim men and women. Arafat's Maidan, a key site in this pilgrimage, is located 22 kilometers from Makkah I and spans two kilometers in both length and width, surrounded by mountains on three sides. The area also hosts the significant Jabale Rahmat, or Mount of Mercy, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon.

The stay at Arafat Maidan symbolizes a global congregation of Muslims, demonstrating unity, order, and peace. The Holy Qur'an highlights the significance of this day in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 3: "Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion."

Imam and Khatib of the Holy Mosque, Shaykh Maher bin Hamad Al-Muaikili, will deliver a sermon from the Namira Mosque, broadcast live in over 20 languages, including Bengali. The sermon is scheduled for approximately 12:30 PM local time and will be accessible via the Manaratul Haramain website and various TV channels.

The Hajj rituals, spanning from the 8th to the 12th of Zilhaj, include prayers and acts of worship in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Makkah I . On Saturday, the pilgrims will offer combined Zuhr and Asr prayers at Arafat, then proceed to Muzdalifah after sunset to spend the night and gather pebbles for the ritual stoning of the Jamarat.

On Sunday, the 10th of Zilhaj, pilgrims will perform the stoning ritual in Mina, followed by the sacrificial act of shaving their heads. After changing out of their ihram, they will travel to Makkah I to perform Tawaf and Sa'i. They will then return to Mina for the final days of stoning the Jamarat, completing their Hajj with the Farewell Tawaf in Makkah I .

Saudi media reports that over 1.5 million pilgrims from various countries are participating in Hajj this year. Additionally, 1,322 people from 88 countries, including Bangladesh, are performing Hajj as invited guests of King Salman. Furthermore, 1,000 Palestinian families affected by the Israeli conflict are also performing Hajj, alongside 4,200 Palestinians from the West Bank. This year marks the resumption of Hajj flights from Syria, with over 17,000 pilgrims participating.

The gathering at Arafat symbolizes a profound moment of unity and devotion, with Muslims worldwide standing together in prayer and supplication, embodying the spirit and purpose of Hajj.