Message from Arafah

Approximately 1.7 million Muslims, around 221,000 of whom are from Indonesia, performed Hajj. At the climax of the pilgrimage rites, they gathered at the Plain of Arafah, about 25km from Mecca, where the pilgrims—guests of Allah—undertook wukuf, a period of contemplation near Jabal al-Rahmah. Wukuf at Arafah is one of the essential pillars of Hajj. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, ‘Hajj is Arafah,’ hence even those ill are transported to Arafah to fulfill this fifth pillar of Islam. This pivotal moment in the Hajj pilgrimage recalls the Prophet’s (PBUH) final sermon during his last Hajj, where he instructed attendees to convey his message to those absent. ‘O mankind, listen to my words and heed them! Every Muslim is a brother to another Muslim; all Muslims are brothers. No one may take anything from their brother unless willingly given. Do not wrong yourselves.’ Through this message, the Prophet reminded his followers to nurture brotherhood. This human fraternity fosters greater love and compassion among people. In Islam, such love transcends national boundaries. Thus, people from all corners of the world are called to unite in harmony without discrimination. The best place for this unity is where love emanates—the House of Allah (Baitullah)—which is the essence of Hajj. During Hajj, believers are commanded to live with dignity as an example of faith in Allah. As stated in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197: ‘those performing Hajj must not engage in obscenity, wickedness, or quarrelling.’