About 1.7 million Muslims from different parts of the world gathered at the Plain of Arafat in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for the most significant day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, a moment marked by intense devotion, prayer and reflection.
Dressed in simple white ihram garments, the pilgrims endured extreme heat that reached about 46 degrees Celsius as they filled the vast valley around Mount Arafat. Many were seen holding umbrellas, water bottles and prayer mats while engaging in supplications, Qur’anic recitations and heartfelt prayers seeking forgiveness and mercy.
According to figures released by the General Authority for Statistics, a total of 1,707,301 pilgrims performed the 1447 AH 2026 Hajj. Out of this number, 1,546,655 came from outside Saudi Arabia, while 160,646 were citizens and residents within the kingdom.
From early morning until sunset, the plains remained filled with worshippers from different nationalities, cultures and backgrounds, all united in a shared act of devotion. Saudi authorities deployed extensive security, medical and logistical support to manage the massive gathering and ensure safety throughout the ritual.
As the day progressed, pilgrims continued in prayers and reflection, with many describing the experience as one of the most emotional and spiritually defining moments of their lives. Some said the atmosphere at Arafat felt like a point where life, reflection and spiritual renewal meet.
A Nigerian pilgrim, Amina Saliu, shared that she prayed for peace and progress in Nigeria, adding that she asked for relief for families facing hardship and challenges back home.
As sunset approached, pilgrims began moving towards Muzdalifah while chanting “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik,” a declaration of readiness and submission to Allah’s call.
During the Arafat sermon delivered at Masjid Namirah, the Imam and Khateeb of Masjid an Nabawi, Sheikh Ali Hudhaify, called on Muslims worldwide to embrace unity, righteousness and fear of Allah while avoiding division, extremism and injustice.
He reminded pilgrims that Hajj is rooted in pure monotheism and obedience to Allah, stressing that it is not a platform for political slogans or disputes but a place of humility, equality and worship. He also urged pilgrims to comply with crowd control instructions and safety measures issued by Saudi authorities to ensure an orderly pilgrimage.
Sheikh Hudhaify reflected on the significance of Arafat as the place where the message of Islam was completed and where the farewell sermon of Prophet Muhammad emphasised justice, equality and devotion to God.
He offered prayers for peace and unity among Muslims and acknowledged the efforts of Saudi leadership in managing the Hajj operations.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ismail Abba Yusuf, described the Day of Arafat as the peak of the Hajj experience, a moment defined by mercy, forgiveness and deep spiritual reflection.
He noted that the commission had been reviewing its operations to improve the experience of Nigerian pilgrims, especially in areas of welfare, logistics and coordination. While acknowledging progress compared to previous years, he said further improvements were still needed to enhance service delivery.
Yusuf assured that lessons from the ongoing pilgrimage would be used to strengthen future operations and ensure better support for Nigerian pilgrims.
In another reflection during the holy gathering, Islamic scholar Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto expressed concern over corruption and economic hardship in Nigeria, calling on leaders to act with accountability and fear of God in managing public resources.
Speaking during a special prayer session for Nigeria on the Day of Arafah in Makkah, he warned that corruption remains a major challenge affecting development and trust in the country.
He urged leaders to reflect on their responsibilities, noting that public office comes with accountability before God. He also called on pilgrims to pray for peace, stability and progress in Nigeria while appreciating the opportunity to participate in the Hajj.
The scholar reminded worshippers that Arafat remains one of the largest human gatherings in the world, united not by wealth or status but by faith and devotion.
He further reflected on the farewell sermon of Prophet Muhammad, which emphasised justice, equality and adherence to the teachings of Islam, urging Nigerian leaders to embrace fairness and proper stewardship of national resources.
