Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pilgrims climb the Mount of Mercy at Arafat
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Most pilgrims stay from noon until after sunset, during which time they are expected to
pray and recite frequently the
talbiyah
(the main, ritual recitation of hajj, and the words at-
tributed to Ibrahim when he first summoned pilgrims to Mecca). Traditionally, this is a
day of solemnity, reflection and the examination of conscience by pilgrims.
Some choose to climb the Mount of Mercy (Rahmah) at Arafat (though the crowds of-
ten prevent most from doing so). During the evening, pilgrims leave for Muzdalifah as
part of the
nafrah
(rush) or
ifadah
(overflowing). There, pilgrims pray together and pass
the night in each other's company.
In 2004, due to the many injuries to pilgrims inflicted by the fervour of the stone throwing, Saudi hajj au-
thorities replaced the pillars with long walls and stone basins designed to catch any ricocheting rocks.
