⛰️ Mount Arafat (Jabal Arafat)
Saudi Arabia
About This Sacred Site
Mount Arafat, located about 20 kilometers southeast of Mecca, is the site of the most critical ritual of the annual Hajj pilgrimage — the Day of Arafat (Wuquf). On the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, over two million pilgrims gather on and around this granite hill to pray, repent, and supplicate from noon to sunset. Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon (the Farewell Sermon) at this location in 632 CE. Islamic tradition holds that it was here that Adam and Eve were reunited after being expelled from Paradise. The Hajj is considered incomplete without standing at Arafat.
Spiritual Significance
Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Arafat, holds monumental spiritual significance in Islam as the location where Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon in 632 CE, marking the culmination of his prophetic mission. The Day of Arafat, observed on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah during the Hajj pilgrimage, is deemed the most important day of Hajj, during which over 2 million pilgrims congregate to perform the Wuquf ritual — standing in prayer and contemplation from noon until sunset. This practice is rooted in hadiths like Sahih Bukhari, emphasizing forgiveness and mercy. The location's theological importance is further highlighted in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:198), instructing pilgrims to hasten to Mount Arafat, emphasizing its indispensability in completing the pilgrimage rites. Pilgrims recite specific prayers, including the Talbiyah and Istighfar, while reflecting on the unity and equality of Muslims, as all gather on the plain without distinction of rank or wealth.
Key Facts
- •The Day of Arafat is considered the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage
- •Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon here in 632 CE
- •Over 2 million pilgrims gather here simultaneously on the Day of Arafat
- •Islamic tradition holds that Adam and Eve were reunited here after leaving Paradise
- •The Hajj is considered invalid without the stand (wuquf) at Arafat
Location
Coordinates: 21.3549, 39.9842
Frequently Asked Questions
What religion is Mount Arafat (Jabal Arafat) associated with?▾
Mount Arafat (Jabal Arafat) is a Islam holy site located in Saudi Arabia. It was established c. 632 CE (Farewell Sermon) and is ranked #378 in our global directory of sacred sites.
When was Mount Arafat (Jabal Arafat) established?▾
Mount Arafat (Jabal Arafat) dates back to c. 632 CE (Farewell Sermon). The Day of Arafat is considered the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage
How many people visit Mount Arafat (Jabal Arafat) each year?▾
Mount Arafat (Jabal Arafat) receives approximately 2+ million (during Hajj) visitors per year. Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon here in 632 CE
What is Mount Arafat (Jabal Arafat) known for?▾
The sacred mountain where pilgrims gather for the most important day of Hajj. Visitors come seeking forgiveness, pilgrimage, salvation, purification. Over 2 million pilgrims gather here simultaneously on the Day of Arafat
Related Holy Sites
Sacred places connected by country, religion, and purpose
🕋Masjid al-Haram (Great Mosque of Mecca)
The holiest site in Islam, home of the Kaaba, and the destination for Hajj pilgrimage.
🕌Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque)
The second holiest mosque in Islam, containing the tomb of Prophet Muhammad.
