As you approach Al Haram Al Sharif, you hear pilgrims from all corners of the world chanting: “Labbayk Allahuma Labbayk.” They’ve come to this sacred land to perform Hajj, starting and ending with Mina.
Hajj Arafat
After spending one night in Mina, pilgrims go to the famous Mount Arafat where the Prophet PBUH came during the farewell Hajj and recited Duaa and Zikr until sunset. The day of Arafat is the best day of the year in Sharia’ as a lot of Hadiths spoke of its virtue in the eyes of Allah. The Prophet PBUH said: “Allah boasts the people of Arafat, the people of paradise”. In another Hadith, he stated: “There is no better day for Allah to save a worshipper from the fire than the day of Arafat.”
Before the technological advancements we enjoy today, travel was difficult and exhausting for Muslims from around the world, and they would arrive in Makkah late and not get a chance to spend the night at Mina on the day of Tarwiyah. However, Islam has determined that the day of Arafat is what defines Hajj and whoever misses Arafat misses Hajj. Therefore, if a pilgrim arrives after sunset and stands in Arafat for as long as they can before the dawn of the next day, they have performed Hajj. This doesn’t mean climbing the mountain and standing at the top; it is enough to be at the foot of the mountain or in the surrounding area, sitting, standing, or lying down while reciting Duaa and Zikr.
Al Haram Al Sharif on the Day of Arafat
While pilgrims prepare to go to Mount Arafat on the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijaa, a special and sacred ritual happens in the Haram Al Sharif directly after Fajr; teams of employees and technicians with large rolls of material come from the King Abdulaziz Complex; it is time to change the cover of the Kaaba with a new one that will stay for the rest of the year. The team begins by raising the sides of the new cover; it arrives in separate pieces for each side, as well as the golden curtain for the Kaaba door. They make sure that the Kaaba is never exposed due to its importance; the old cover is removed as soon as the new one covers it. This teamwork is a stunning scene for Makkah residents and visitors who chose this great day to visit; it is one of the less crowded days and pilgrims are able to pray and perform Duaa in this holy place until Maghrib prayers, Afterwards, they go home or to nearby restaurants for Iftar, such as Midan Restaurant in Shaza Makkah where they can enjoy a delicious and filling meal from a wide variety of traditional and innovative dishes.
