Wukuf Arafah 1447 H: Aceh Hajj Pilgrims Endure 48°C Heat

Millions of Muslims from around the world immersed in the solemnity of the Hajj’s peak ritual, Wukuf at Arafat Plain, on Tuesday (9 Zulhijjah 1447 H). Amidst the sea of white tents resembling a miniature Padang Mahsyar, pilgrims prostrate themselves seeking forgiveness despite extreme weather and cramped conditions.

Wukuf is the most crucial phase of the fifth pillar of Islam. As narrated in a hadith by Abu Dawud from Abdul Al-Rahman bin Yu’mar Al-Daliliy, Prophet Muhammad SAW stated that Hajj is Wukuf at Arafat. Without presence at this plain, a Muslim’s Hajj is invalid.

Field reports indicate over three million pilgrims filled Arafat from sunrise. Among the crowd, thousands of Aceh (BTJ) Hajj pilgrims from cohorts 7, 8, and 9 under Maktab 56 endured scorching temperatures ranging from 44 to 48 degrees Celsius.

Haji and Umrah Guide from KBIHU Ibnu Mas’ud, H. Abdullah AR, noted that pilgrims had packed the tents since Tuesday night. He acknowledged the cramped conditions due to limited space.

“The tent conditions are quite tight and crowded, with almost no room to turn over. Moreover, more pilgrims keep arriving to fill the same spaces,” said the figure commonly known as Abi Abdullah to Media Indonesia.

Despite the imperfect situation, the former Head of Pidie Regency’s Religious Affairs Office praised ongoing service improvements. He also commended the pilgrims’ patience, remaining focused on worship without complaint.

“The pilgrims remain patient. They do not waste time on unproductive matters, focusing instead on dhikr, talbiyah, Quran recitation, and praying for parents and relatives. Here, there is no caste system and no deceit,” said the graduate of a Doctorate in Education from UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh.

The Arafat Plain remained filled with echoes of takbir and prayers. Pilgrims continued until sunset before proceeding to Muzdalifah for the mabit (overnight stay) ritual.