
Haj pilgrims start early for wukuf ritual to beat midday heat
The ritual, one of the five pillars of haj, is carried out from after the sun passes its zenith, from the start of Zohor prayer time on 9 Zulhijjah, until before dawn on 10 Zulhijjah.
According to observations, pilgrims took advantage of the cooler morning hours to head to Arafah, as the weather was forecast to become hotter after midday.
The weather forecast indicated that temperatures in the Arafah area would rise from noon until late afternoon, peaking between 2pm and 4pm at around 41-degree Celcius.
In Islam, the significance of wukuf lies in its remembrance of when Prophet Adam and Hawa were sent down from paradise to Earth for disobeying Allah's command and being deceived by the devil.
More importantly, the Plains of Arafah is a place for self-reflection, to regret past sins and sincerely seek forgiveness from Allah. This refers to the site where Prophet Adam and Hawa spent years repenting until their prayers were accepted.
Previously, the Saudi Arabian government announced that pilgrims would not be allowed to leave their tents, especially during the culminating rites in Arafah between 10am and 4pm, due to expected temperatures reaching between 40-degree Celcius and 45-degree Celcius.
Pilgrims were also prohibited from visiting Namirah Mosque and Jabal al-Rahmah (Mount Arafat), popular locations for pilgrims, including those from Malaysia, during the same time frame to minimise the risk of heatstroke.
As of now, Saudi authorities have recorded 41 cases of heat exhaustion among pilgrims.
Last year, the Saudi Health Ministry reported that medical teams treated 2,764 pilgrims suffering from heat exhaustion, in addition to other heat-related conditions.
Saudi Haj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah reportedly said that to mitigate such risks, thousands of cooling fans have been provided, along with 400 water-based cooling units.
Authorities have also constructed 2.5km of newly completed shaded pathways leading towards Arafah.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Barnama
3 days ago
- Barnama
'The Destination' Shines A Light On Saudi Arabia's New Image As It Moves Toward A Global Future
KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Bernama) -- Saudi Arabia has launched a new documentary titled "The Destination", showcasing the country's sweeping transformation under its Vision 2030 programme, spanning the political, economic, sports, and cultural sectors. Produced by the Konoz Initiative under the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Media, the documentary goes beyond chronicling achievements. It offers a visual narrative of how Saudi Arabia—long associated with a conservative image—is now emerging as a competitive and modern global destination. In a statement issued on Sunday, Konoz said the film features mega projects, local talent development, and a cultural innovation boom, delivering a clear message: the Arab world is on the move, and Saudi Arabia is leading the way. bootstrap slideshow "The documentary presents stunning visuals from across Saudi Arabia—from deserts to smart cities—telling the story of a nation's rise, now seen as a new benchmark in the modern Islamic world," the statement said. According to Konoz, the documentary will be broadcast on Shahid, STC TV, Saudi national television, and the official platforms of the Saudi Ministry of Media. Prominent figures featured in the film include Chairman of the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies, Prince Turki Al-Faisal; Saudi Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud; Ministerial Advisor Mazen Al-Sudairi; CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Jerry Inzerillo; and Head of Cardiac Surgery at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Dr Firas Khalil. Meanwhile, Konoz said that for Malaysia, "The Destination" raises fundamental questions about how to construct an inclusive national visual narrative—one that reflects the nation's values and transformative changes, while speaking to the world in its own language. 'Saudi Arabia's aspirations in developing local content reflect a strategic vision aligned with Malaysia's efforts to build a sustainable and borderless media industry,' the statement added. Konoz also noted that cooperation between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia in this area could be expanded, particularly in co-productions, media training, and expertise exchange in telling stories of social transformation.


The Star
11-07-2025
- The Star
Search underway in Bali waters for missing Saudi tourist
Batu Belig Beach is a popular tourist destination west of Bali's provincial capital Denpasar. - Antara DENPASAR, Bali: Search and rescue personnel are looking for a Saudi Arabian tourist who went missing on Tuesday (July 8) while swimming off Batu Belig Beach in Badung regency, Bali, the latest in a string of water-related incidents in the popular resort province. Authorities say Alhawsawi Asad Mohamed, 29, was swimming with his 30-year-old Russian partner at the popular surfing spot at around 2:40pm on July 8 when he was suddenly swept away by a strong current. His partner, identified only by their initials LT, promptly alerted lifeguards, who launched an immediate search using rescue boards. After searching until 3:10pm without spotting Alhawsawi, the lifeguards reported the incident to the Bali Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the agency's Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, said six rescuers were immediately deployed to the scene on receiving the report. 'Rescue personnel were divided into two teams to search within a 1-kilometer radius to the east and west of the incident site,' Nyoman said on Wednesday. The rescuers continued the search with no sign of Alhawsawi until nightfall on Tuesday, when reduced visibility hampered their efforts, while local residents held a religious ceremony on the beach to pray for his safe return. The following day, the agency expanded the search with support from the Bali Police, lifeguards and local residents. It also brought in additional resources to assist in the search, including jet skis, a rubber dinghy and a motorboat from Tuban, East Java. Bali's beaches are known for rough seas and strong rip currents, which have led to numerous accidents involving dozens of injuries and fatalities. Last month, United States national Petter Picetti Falcone went missing during a Jet Ski trip off southeastern Nusa Lembongan. A fishing boat found him a day later near Uluwatu in the province's southernmost end, around 50km away from Bali's sister island, waving and calling for help on the Jet Ski that had reportedly drifted overnight after running out of fuel. On May 6, a Jordanian man identified as Ozam, 27, was swept away during a midnight swim at Batu Belig Beach. Local fishermen found his body six days later off Kedonganan in neighboUring Kuta, around 16km from where he went missing. In April, Russian national Sergei Eliseev, 36, went missing during a solo fishing trip on a jukung, a traditional fishing boat, in the waters off Amed Beach in northeastern Karangasem regency. Fishermen from East Seraya village, around 16km south of Amed, found the empty jukung on April 16 and immediately reported it to Karangasem authorities, including the local Basarnas branch. A search effort was launched and lasted 10 days, beset by high waves, strong winds, heavy rain and lightning, but no signs of Eliseev have been found to date. - The Jakarta Post/ANN


The Sun
11-07-2025
- The Sun
Malaysia's 2025 haj operations praised as best by Saudi government
SEPANG: The 2025 haj operations in Malaysia have been recognised as among the best globally, receiving high praise from the Saudi Arabian government. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar highlighted this achievement, noting that Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) was awarded the prestigious Labaytum Diamond Award by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah. 'This year's haj season is special as we received the Diamond Award, the highest recognition for TH, showcasing our excellent haj management,' said Mohd Na'im. He attributed this success to strong teamwork among TH staff and leadership, ensuring smooth operations for pilgrims. The minister shared these remarks after welcoming 264 returning pilgrims at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1. Also present were TH chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain and head of the Malaysian Haj Delegation, Mohd Hisham Harun. Mohd Na'im also provided updates on this year's haj season, revealing that 22 Malaysian pilgrims passed away in the Holy Land, a decrease from 28 deaths in the previous year. Most fatalities were due to heart-related conditions, with two suspected lung infection cases. He commended Malaysian pilgrims for their discipline in following TH and Saudi regulations. Additionally, he thanked media organisations for their thorough coverage, which helped showcase TH's dedication to ensuring a safe and smooth haj experience. The 2025 haj operations will officially conclude tomorrow with the arrival of the final group of 232 pilgrims at 12.10 pm. - Bernama