Mount Arafat, Sacred summit in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Mount Arafat is a summit in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia, located roughly 20 kilometers southeast of Mecca. A marked path leads up to the top, which becomes visible from afar through a white pillar and offers a wide view across the surrounding rocky plain.
The Prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon here in 632 during his final pilgrimage. Since then, the site has been considered a central part of the Hajj, and attending the prayer at this location is regarded as a requirement for completing the pilgrimage fully.
Pilgrims gather here on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, spending the afternoon in prayer and supplication. The ceremony begins after midday and lasts until sunset, with many believers standing on the wide plain surrounding the hill.
Stairs have been built along the route to ease the climb, though the path can become steep in sections. During pilgrimage season, the Mecca Metro runs nearby and brings visitors to the base, from where they continue on foot.
Geological studies show that the mountain consists of granodiorite, a rock containing feldspar, quartz, and muscovite, which formed around 9 million years ago. This composition differs from other elevations in the immediate area and suggests a distinct geological history.
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Saudi Arabia contains a wide range of historical locations spanning multiple periods, from Islamic holy sites to pre-Islamic archaeological remains. The country encompasses both religious destinations that draw millions of Muslim pilgrims annually and ancient settlements that reveal trade networks...
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