The Arafat area has completed its preparations to receive the influx of pilgrims and guests of the Sacred House on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, to ascend to Mount Arafat to spend the Day of Arafah, feeling their rituals in complete tranquility, according to the Saudi Press Agency "SPA". Tomorrow morning, pilgrims will begin their move from Mina towards the plains of Arafat on the Day of the Great Standing, performing the noon and afternoon prayers in shortened and combined forms, and then they will proceed to Muzdalifah to spend the night before moving from there to Mina to complete their Hajj rituals.
The area of Arafat is approximately 33 square kilometers, where more than two million pilgrims gather. The past years have proven the Saudi government's capability to accommodate even greater numbers, providing them with all means of comfort, security, and exceptional service, so that pilgrims do not feel any hardship.
The land of the Arafat area is characterized by its flatness, surrounded by a range of mountains, with Mount Mercy located to the north, which consists of a small, flat-topped mound made of large, solid black stones. It lies on the eastern side of Mount Arafat, stretching 300 meters in length, with a circumference of 640 meters, and the base of the mountain rises 65 meters above the surrounding ground. At the summit of the mountain is a pillar standing 7 meters tall, and this mountain is known by many names, such as Mount Elal, Mount of Repentance, Mount of Invocation, Nabata, and Mount Qareen.
Pilgrims look forward to standing on "Mount Mercy" during their Hajj rituals, in emulation of the Prophet Muhammad, who addressed his Farewell Sermon from this spot. Pilgrims to the Sacred House of Allah also strive to pray and plead to Allah Almighty, hoping for mercy and forgiveness.
