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Millions of Muslim pilgrims gathered on Mount Arafat on Tuesday as the annual Hajj reached its spiritual peak under soaring desert temperatures approaching 40°C.

From early morning, worshippers dressed in white robes assembled around the Mount of Mercy on the plains of Arafat near Makkah, reciting Quranic verses and offering prayers during one of the holiest moments in Islam.

The Day of Arafah is regarded as the climax of Hajj and commemorates the final sermon delivered by Prophet Muhammad approximately 1,400 years ago.

According to Saudi authorities, more than 1.5 million pilgrims participated in Hajj this year despite regional tensions and ongoing instability across parts of the Middle East.

Reports indicated that more than 30,000 Iranian pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia this year, fewer than originally anticipated due to the wartime situation affecting regional travel conditions.

Saudi officials stated that the number of international pilgrims arriving for Hajj 2026 exceeded figures recorded in 2025.

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With temperatures recently reaching 44°C in Makkah, Saudi authorities have repeatedly advised pilgrims to remain hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure where possible, and use protective measures during the outdoor rituals.

Many pilgrims carried umbrellas to shield themselves from the intense heat, while cooling stations, misting fans, and water distribution points were deployed throughout the pilgrimage sites.

After sunset at Arafat, pilgrims are expected to travel to Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night collecting pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual that takes place in Mina during the following stage of Hajj.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the pilgrimage.

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