Millions of pilgrims, including more than 115,000 from Pakistan, are today observing Wuquf-e-Arafat, the most sacred and pivotal ritual of Hajj.
After spending the previous night in Mina, the pilgrims have begun gathering at the plains of Arafat, where they will listen to the Hajj sermon at Masjid Namira and perform the combined Zuhr and Asr prayers.
Wuquf-e-Arafat, held between Asr and Maghrib, marks the spiritual peak of the pilgrimage. During this time, pilgrims engage in deep prayers, seeking forgiveness, mercy, and blessings from Allah.
At sunset, a cannon blast will signal the end of this momentous ritual, prompting pilgrims to move to Muzdalifah without offering the Maghrib prayer there.
Upon arrival at Muzdalifah, they will combine the Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night under the open sky, collecting small stones for the upcoming ritual stoning.
At dawn, following the Fajr prayer, pilgrims will return to Mina to carry out Ramy al-Jamarat, or the symbolic stoning of the devil.
On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, they will throw seven pebbles at Jamrat al-Aqaba, the largest of the three pillars, symbolizing the rejection of evil.
This act will be followed by animal sacrifice as part of the Eid al-Adha tradition. Pilgrims will then shave or trim their hair (Halq or Taqsir), step out of the sacred state of Ihram, and resume wearing regular clothing.
The ritual stoning continues on the 11th of Dhul-Hijjah, with seven pebbles thrown at each of the three pillars. Afterward, pilgrims will head to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Ziyarah, a crucial part of Hajj.
On the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, stoning is repeated at all three pillars after midday. Those who choose to stay longer will perform the final stoning on the 13th before heading back to Makkah.
With these rituals complete, the Hajj pilgrimage comes to an end. Before departing, pilgrims perform the farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida).
Many will also travel to Madina to offer their respects at the resting place of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).