Hajj culmination begins as pilgrims perform wuquf at Arafat

Millions of Muslim pilgrims gathered at Mount of Mercy in the Arafat plain for the wuquf ritual during the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday (26 May 2026). According to Kemenag’s website, wuquf at Arafat is one of the essential pillars of Hajj that must be performed by every pilgrim for the pilgrimage to be valid, as stated by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): ‘al-hajju arafah’, meaning Hajj is Arafat. This signifies that wuquf at Arafat is the climax of the conditions for a valid Hajj. The term ‘wuquf’ derives from the Arabic word ‘waqafa’, meaning ‘to stop’; literally, it refers to standing still. Wuquf is the core ritual of Hajj, conducted on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, from noon until sunset while wearing ihram garments. During the ritual, pilgrims are encouraged to increase their prayers, remembrance of God (dhikr), and seeking forgiveness (istighfar), facing the qibla and raising their hands. The wuquf moment is believed to be the most opportune time to seek divine forgiveness and repentance. After completing wuquf at Arafat, pilgrims return to Mina to continue other rituals, including the stoning of the devil.