Arafat: Muna wears new look for pilgrims

Muna, the historic mountain in Makkah, where pilgrims all over the world usually commence the last lap of their pilgrimage rites and in observance of Arafat Day, July 10, has started wearing a new look.

Our correspondent who visited the area on Monday, reports that many of the camps meant for the pilgrims in the area were being fitted with facilities such as refrigerators, air conditioners, lighting, beddings and potable water, among others.

The representative of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria ( NAHCON), Dr Tanko Aliyu, who inspected the Nigerian camp, assured pilgrims of their comfort and value for their money.

According to Islamic tradition, Arafat, was the place where Prophet Muhammad stood and delivered the Farewell Sermon to Muslims who accompanied him for the Hajj towards the end of his life.

Muslim scholars also say that it was also the place where Adam and Hawa reunited on Earth after falling from Heaven.

According to them, it is the place Adam’s sin was forgiven, hence it is known as the “Mount of Mercy”.

A pillar is erected to show the place where the aforementioned event took place.

The pilgrims go to Arafat from Muna for the most important part of the Hajj where Khutbah (sermon) for Hajj is narrated and Zuhr( afternoon prayer) and Asrs (evening prayer) are prayed together.

Pilgrims spend the whole day on the mountain of 1,490 feet, to supplicate to Allah for the forgiveness of sins and pray for personal strength and for the general peace of the world.

Meanwhile,43,139 Nigerian pilgrims have so far arrived Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, in 89 flights, according to NAHCON as at Monday.