Pilgrims Pray and Avoid the Sun as Hajj Reaches Its Peak at Mount Arafat 2025
As the sun began to rise over Saudi Arabia on June 5, the air around Mount Arafat—also known as Jabal al-Rahma or the Mount of Mercy—was filled with quiet reverence. A lot of Muslim visitors, dressed in simple white clothes, stood still or whispered prayers. Many of them got emotional. This wasn’t any time. This was the most important part of Hajj, a spiritual trip that many people dream of, but only a few are lucky to experience it.
Mount Arafat holds deep spiritual significance. It’s the exact spot where Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) gave his last lecture, calling on Muslims to stand for fairness, kindness, and faith more than 1,400 years ago. That spirit is still alive today, as people come here to worship and pray for forgiveness, healing, and a closer relationship with God.
The Scene on Arafat: Spirituality Meets Hard Truth
It was already busy on the hill at dawn, with people standing to pray, reading the Quran, or sitting in quiet contemplation. But as morning turned into noon, the scene changed. As the sun rose quickly, Saudi officials told visitors to go back to their tents between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to escape the scorching heat.
This warning wasn’t given lightly. Just last year, over 1,300 lives were tragically lost during Hajj due to severe heat when temperatures soared above 51°C (124°F). Determined to avoid a repeat of that horror, officials took major steps this year to protect the faithful.
People were taking care of themselves and their loved ones. Clutched umbrellas, wore wet clothes around their heads, or even carried icepacks handed out by volunteers.
Saudi Arabia’s Massive Heat-Relief Efforts
Saudi authorities ramped up safety efforts in a big way. Around Arafat, more than 50,000 square meters of shady land were added. Around the bouldered hill, more than 400 cooling units released mist and air to bring down the temperature. Thousands of extra medical staff were also deployed, ready to assist anyone suffering from heatstroke or exhaustion.
Docs on wheels, some riding electric bikes, moved through the crowds to make sure that no one fell and wasn’t checked out. Along the paths, a sea of fans and mist makers provided short moments of relief. For many, these steps were the only way they could make it through the day.
The country’s assistant health minister, Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aali, said he was sure. “We’re seeing far fewer heat-related illnesses this year,” he said. “That’s proof our preventive strategies are working.”
High-Tech Hajj: Drones, AI, and Safety Surveillance
This year’s Hajj wasn’t just about tradition—it also embraced technology around the holy places; more than 15,000 surveillance cameras were set up. AI powers all of them. These cams watched how the crowd moved, found slow spots, and instantly warned security teams of possible dangers.
Drones flew over, keeping an eye on bigger groups and directing people on foot. Pilgrims even got messages and directions on their phones, which helped them stay hydrated, find their way, and stay away from dangerous areas.
Live data from around the site was also processed by software behind the scenes. This helped officials make quick, well-informed decisions to save lives. Even a tradition that has been around for hundreds of years can change over time.
Going after unauthorized pilgrims
Unregistered pilgrims, or people who try to make the trip without permission, are a big problem during Hajj. Even if these people mean well, they don’t have access to public amenities, such as places to sit in the shade, food, water, or medical care. Of the sad deaths last year due to heat, over 80% were these people.
This year, the Saudi government started a strict crackdown to stop this. Police patrols, surveillance drones, and a lot of text message alerts helped keep unwanted guests away and send them somewhere else. Because of this, there was a lot less overcrowding, which made the experience better and easier for everyone.
People really want to get Hajj passes, which are given out based on quotas by country. Many tourists still try to get around the system, even though it’s expensive and in high demand, but they run the risk of being arrested, sent back to their home country, or seriously hurt.
A Moment That Changed the Lives of Millions
Even though there were problems, Mount Arafat was a place of joy, thanks, and spiritual rebirth.
Ahmed, an Egyptian man who is 44 years old, said he wasn’t going to let the sun distract him. He said, “Today is a beautiful day,” his face shining with sweat and joy. “Standing here, I feel like I’m part of something greater than myself.”
Ali, 33, from Pakistan, echoed the sentiment. “I used to watch this on TV every year and think, ‘One day, I want to be there.’ And now I am. It’s surreal.”
Fatima, a widow from Nigeria, added another layer of emotion. “My husband and I planned to do Hajj together,” she shared. “He passed before we could. So I came for both of us. I feel like he’s with me.”
From Arafat to Muzdalifah: The Journey Continues
As evening came, the travelers started to leave Arafat for Muzdalifah, which is another holy place between Arafat and Mina. They would spend the night under the stars there, gathering small rocks for the next day’s rite of stoning the devil as a sign of power.
The walk is long, the terrain is rough, and the heat still lingers in the air—but for most pilgrims, the exhaustion is worth it. This trip is more than just a set of practices; it’s a spiritual awakening.
Unity Through Diversity
One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of Hajj is the diversity. Muslims of every race, nationality, and language come together, wearing the same white garments and performing the same rituals. There are no titles, no wealth, no fame—just faith.
This unity is perhaps the most powerful message of Hajj: that all people are equal before God. For many, this sense of brotherhood is one of the most meaningful parts of the journey.
As the sun set on Mount Arafat, the air was thick, not with heat, but with peace, purpose, and prayer. Pilgrims left with lighter hearts, fuller souls, and memories that would stay with them for a lifetime.
For more information, follow us on social media