Hajj Flakes – 9th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH

By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. Nigerian pilgrims have commenced movement from Mina to the plains of Arafat for the most important pillar of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

2. The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, H.E. Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has visited one of the Arafat tents alongside his entourage ahead of the Annual National Prayer scheduled for 4:00pm Saudi Arabia time (2:00pm Nigeria time) on Arafat Day.

3. Millions of Muslim pilgrims from across the world converged on Arafat and Jabal al-Rahmah, known as the Mount of Mercy, as the Day of Arafah commenced in Saudi Arabia.

4. Saudi authorities deployed thousands of security personnel, medical workers and emergency responders across Arafat to ensure smooth movement and pilgrims’ safety.

5. Medical teams and support officials also provided healthcare services, hydration support and emergency assistance for pilgrims throughout the day.

6. Following sunset, pilgrims are expected to depart Arafat for Muzdalifah where they will spend the night and collect pebbles for the Jamarat ritual in Mina.

7. The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has distributed umbrellas and water containers to its pilgrims ahead of the Arafat rites as temperatures continue to rise across the holy sites.

8. Officials say the items were provided to protect pilgrims from direct sunlight and improve access to drinking water during the physically demanding stages of Hajj.

9. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to remain inside Arafat camps until 4pm to reduce exposure to extreme heat conditions.

10. Authorities also warned pilgrims against climbing Jabal al-Rahmah and advised strict compliance with approved movement schedules to avoid disrupting crowd management operations.

Fun facts/did you know

1. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Hajj is Arafah,” emphasizing that the standing at Arafat is the core pillar of the pilgrimage.
2. On this day 9th, pilgrims gather in the vast plain of Arafat from midday until sunset, spending their time in prayer, supplication, remembrance of Allah, and seeking forgiveness.
3. Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahmah (the Mountain of Mercy), is where it is believed the Prophet Adam (AS) and Hauwa (Eve) were reunited after their descent to earth, according to Islamic tradition.
4. The Day of Arafah is also the day when Allah is reported in authentic Hadith to free more people from Hellfire than any other day of the year.
   
   
5. For Muslims not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended and is said to expiate the sins of the previous year and the coming year. (Sahih Muslim)
6. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) delivered his Farewell Sermon during his Hajj at Arafat, delivering key teachings on justice, equality, and the rights of Muslims.
7. Pilgrims in Arafat do not perform physical rituals like tawaf or stoning; instead, the entire day is dedicated to supplication, reflection, and spiritual devotion.
8. After sunset on the Day of Arafah, pilgrims depart in large numbers toward Muzdalifah, beginning the next stage of the Hajj journey.

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