Wukuf at Arafah: Pilgrims Weep and Rediscover Themselves

Wukuf at Arafah is more than just a ritual in the Hajj pilgrimage. For millions of pilgrims worldwide, including Indonesians, it is the most sacred moment to reflect on life, seek forgiveness, and renew spiritual bonds with Allah SWT.

On the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Arafat plain was filled with crowds immersed in prayer and remembrance. Many pilgrims shed tears as they recognised wukuf as the pinnacle of Hajj and a prime opportunity for self-reflection.

This year, coinciding with Tuesday, 26 May 2026, hundreds of students from Mahasina Islamic Boarding School in Bekasi watched Indonesian Hajj pilgrims perform rites at Arafat. They listened live to the wukuf sermon broadcast during the ‘Call from Arafah’ event organised by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH).

Mahasina Islamic Boarding School’s head, Nyai Hj Badiriyah Fayumi, expressed hope that BPKH would increasingly reach out to young people, including santri, to encourage Hajj registration.

‘Those students must have been thinking, ’When will I be there?’ That’s why it’s important—hopefully BPKH will expand its outreach to the youth,’ she said during the talkshow session.

Spiritually, wukuf creates a deeply profound atmosphere. Pilgrims wear simple white ihram garments, erasing distinctions of social status, rank, or wealth. All stand equal before Allah SWT, carrying personal hopes and regrets.