By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. Today is the Day of Arafah Millions of pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat, performing Wuqoof, the greatest pillar of Hajj. Amid heartfelt prayers, pilgrims will later head to Muzdalifah by sunset, collecting pebbles for tomorrow’s symbolic stoning in Mina.

2. Sheikh Saleh Al Humaid delivers Arafah sermon at Masjid Namirah, broadcast live in 34 languages to millions across the globe.

3. Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris visits his state’s pilgrims, offering prayers and support at their Arafat camp.

4. Mashariq Al Dhahabia distributes umbrellas to all Nigerian pilgrims under Sana Company, offering relief from the searing heat in Arafat.

5. So far, Saudi Arabia stops 269,678 unauthorized pilgrims from entering Mecca, enforcing the “No Permit, No Hajj” rule amid intense heat concerns. Over 23,000 residents fined, and 400 Hajj company licenses revoked for violations.

6. AI-powered drones monitor pilgrims at Arafat, part of a smart surveillance system using thermal imaging to track movement and enforce safety. The “Saqr” drone can detect unauthorized pilgrims and support rapid emergency response.

7. World’s largest cooling system in action at the Grand Mosque, with 155,000 tons of refrigeration, 400+ cooling units, and expanded shaded areas to combat extreme heat.

8. Saudi Arabia publishes 45-page multilingual safety kit, urging pilgrims to prepare with daily aerobic activity and mobility habits ahead of travel.

9. Blind Jordanian couple fulfils lifelong dream at the Kaaba, guided by faith, they touched the House of Allah for the first time, an emotional and historic moment.

10. 62 airlines operate 3,314 flights from 238 cities, ensuring a smooth arrival for 1.4 million global pilgrims via a highly efficient Hajj transport and logistics system.

11. Did You Know?: The Day of ‘Arafah is the best day of the year. Often regarded to as the soul of Hajj, It is even more sacred than Eid, according to scholars.

12. Fun Fact: For non-pilgrims, fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. (Sahih Muslim)

13. Fun Fact: Pilgrims pray combined Dhuhr and Asr Salah at Masjid Namirah in ‘Arafah, a unique exception made for this day.

14. Did You Know?: The wuqūf (standing) at ‘Arafah happens from Dhuhr to Maghrib. Even standing for a moment within this time validates Hajj.

15. Did You Know?: The plains of ‘Arafah will also be a gathering place on the Day of Judgment, according to many scholars.

16. Fun Fact: Unlike other days of Hajj, there is no prescribed ritual at Arafatbeyond presence and du’a.

17. Did You Know?: Many scholars recommend writing out your du’a listbefore Arafah to make sure nothing is forgotten in this precious window.

18. Fun Fact: The Day of Arafah is sometimes called “Eid of the Angels” due to the sheer joy in the heavens at the forgiveness of pilgrims.