Arafat

Hill and plain about 24 km/15 mi east and about 19 km/12 mi southwest of Mecca. The hill is granite and rises to 61 m/200 ft. The most important ceremony of the Muslim pilgrimage, or hajj, occurs on this hill.

On the 12th Dhu-l-Hijjah, the pilgrims assemble on the plain surrounding the hill on which the sermon is preached, repeating the talbiyah formula. The ceremony of the wuquf (standing) lasts from the time of the midday sermon until after sunset. Attendance at Arafat, at least for a short time, is obligatory for the accomplishment of the rites of the pilgrimage. It is said that the greatest sinner is one who stands at Arafat and thinks his sins are not forgiven. During the ceremony the arid plain surrounding the hill becomes an enormous camp site. A million or more from all over the world gather here. It has been interpreted symbolically as a foretaste of the Day of Judgement.