Arafat Plain Resonates with the Chant of ‘Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk’ by Thousands of Pilgrims
On the second day of Hajj, the historic plain of Arafat echoed with the heartfelt chant of “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk” as hundreds of thousands of devout Muslims from around the world gathered at this sacred site — one of the most significant rituals of the annual pilgrimage.
On Thursday (June 5), pilgrims assembled at Arafat from morning until sunset, following their overnight stay in Mina and departure after Fajr prayers. The day at Arafat marks the spiritual pinnacle of Hajj, where pilgrims seek closeness to Allah and listen to the central Hajj sermon.
This year’s sermon was delivered by Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid, the Imam of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The sermon was broadcast live in 34 languages, including Bengali, ensuring access to a global audience of Muslims.
Due to extreme heat, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah advised pilgrims to remain inside their tents between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid health risks associated with the scorching temperatures.
After sunset, pilgrims will head to Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night and collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil.
On the following day, 10th Dhul-Hijjah — Eid al-Adha — pilgrims will perform the ritual stoning at the Jamarat, offer animal sacrifices, shave or trim their hair, and then return to the Kaaba to perform Tawaf.
Finally, on the 11th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, they will complete the remaining rites of Hajj. Over 1.5 million Muslims are expected to complete the full pilgrimage this year.
