KHALIDH RIZWAN
MOUNT ARAFAT : More than 1.5 million pilgrims from about 180 countries have gathered at Arafat for the Day of Arafat, a pivotal event in the Hajj pilgrimage.
Covering an area of approximately 33 square kilometers, Arafat accommodates over two million pilgrims annually. For decades, the Saudi government has effectively managed to host even larger crowds, ensuring their comfort, safety, and exemplary service without imposing unnecessary difficulty.
Each year, thousands of guests are invited to perform Hajj free of charge under the auspices of the Saudi kings. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guest Program for Hajj has been in operation for approximately 26 years, during which over 60,000 pilgrims have been able to fulfill their Hajj duties at no cost.
This year, approximately 4,300 individuals from around the world participated in the Hajj pilgrimage as guests of King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, the King of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Among them were 2,322 individuals from 88 different countries and 2,000 individuals from Palestine. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, along with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, is responsible for attending to their needs and interests.
Nineteen individuals from Sri Lanka also have traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj as guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Their pilgrimage is fully funded by the Saudi Arabian government. These guests of King Salman have also arrived in Arafat today.
Professor Rameez Abubakar, Vice Chancellor of South Eastern University, who is a key member of the Sri Lankan delegation, commented on the arrangements in Arafat as follows: “As guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, we were transported to Arafa today in a well-coordinated manner using highly comfortable buses. Upon arrival, we were taken to our sophisticated tents in Arafa, which were surrounded by well-equipped restaurants, restrooms, mosques, and other facilities. The tents were furnished with amenities including air conditioning, beds, mattresses, and bed sheets to ensure we could rest comfortably and engage in our devotions effectively”
Since arriving in Makkah, the highest standard of facilities, including transportation, accommodation, food, and security, has been provided to the king’s guests. In Arafat, air-conditioned modern tents with separate bedding have been arranged for all King Salman’s guests, including the pilgrims from Sri Lanka.
The tented complex features distinct mosque systems, fully equipped restroom facilities, and restaurants for the guests. It is important to note that the temperature in Makkah often exceeds 45 degrees Celsius. To mitigate this extreme heat, the tented premises in Arafat are fully equipped with fans that spray cool water.
It is noteworthy that the Saudi government has also extended all these kind of excellent facilities to other pilgrims performing Hajj.
