Facts for Kids

Mount Arafat, also called Jabal Arafah, is a special hill located in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦. It stands about 70 meters high and is made of granite and quartz, which makes it a granodiorite hill. Every year, millions of Muslims visit this site during the Hajj, a sacred pilgrimage. On the day of Arafah, which is the second day of Hajj, people gather here to pray and ask for forgiveness. Mount Arafat is known as "The Mount of Mercy" because it's when Prophet Muhammad delivered his famous farewell sermon in 632 CE. 🌄

The area around Mount Arafat is mostly dry and rocky, meaning there aren't a lot of trees or plants 🌱. However, you may find some bushes and grass that can survive in the desert. Animals that live near Mount Arafat include small reptiles, birds, and some insects 🦎. For the most part, the dry conditions limit the types of wildlife that can thrive here. Pilgrims should be careful not to disturb any wildlife they might see. Even though it looks barren, it plays an essential role in the ecosystem of the region!

If you visit Mount Arafat, there are several other interesting places to check out nearby! Just a little drive away is Mina, where pilgrims spend the days of Hajj, including the famous “stoning of the devil” ritual 🏞️. Another important place is the plain of Muzdalifah, where pilgrims collect pebbles for Hajj. Mecca itself, the holiest city in Islam, is filled with beautiful mosques, markets, and delicious foods. The Kaaba, located in the Sacred Mosque, is also a must-see attraction. If you visit during Hajj, you can witness the unity of millions of Muslims from all over the world!

Mount Arafat has inspired stories, art, and songs in many cultures around the world 🎶. In Islamic art, the beauty of the pilgrimage and the emotions felt at Mount Arafat are often depicted in paintings and calligraphy. Many writers have also shared their experiences visiting this sacred place, highlighting the feelings of peace and love for Allah. In popular culture, documentaries and films may feature pilgrims at Mount Arafat, showcasing their devotion and the spiritual beauty of this day. It reminds people about the importance of faith and community, no matter where they are from.

Mount Arafat is located just 20 kilometers southeast of Mecca, in a region known as Arafat. The hill is part of a larger area called the Arafat Plain, where many pilgrims gather. This region is in the western part of Saudi Arabia, near the Red Sea 🏖️. The area around Mount Arafat is mostly desert, with rocky hills and sandy terrain. It’s a very dry spot, and the temperatures can get really hot in the summer! It’s important for visitors to bring plenty of water and sun protection if they come here.

Mount Arafat holds great importance in Islamic history. In the year 632 CE, Prophet Muhammad addressed a large crowd here during his last pilgrimage, known as the Farewell Pilgrimage. This event is known as the "Farewell Sermon." 📜 The messages he shared included lessons on equality, kindness, and justice. Every year during Hajj, thousands of Muslims come to this hill, repeating the rituals Muhammad performed. This practice helps them connect with their faith and realize the importance of unity. Mount Arafat is also where people believe they can have their prayers answered on this special day.

Mount Arafat is one of the most visited places in the world, especially during Hajj 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️. Millions of pilgrims arrive each year, and it is easily accessible from Mecca, which is well-connected by roads and public transport. There are special accommodations for pilgrims, including tents set up to provide shade and rest areas. During the Hajj season, the area is bustling with people, and it's important for everyone to follow the guides to ensure safety and respect among pilgrims. The experience helps bring together people from all over the globe!

During Hajj, the Day of Arafah is on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar 🌙. Pilgrims travel to Mount Arafat to spend the day praying and reflecting. They gather from all parts of the world, wearing simple white robes called Ihram to show equality and humility. They spend the entire day until sunset on the hill, listening to sermons and reciting prayers. After sunset, many pilgrims go to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles, which they will use in the next part of Hajj. This shared experience makes everyone feel like one big family.

The climate around Mount Arafat is very hot and dry, especially in summer, with temperatures often above 40°C (104°F) 🔥. Winter is milder, but it is still dry, and nighttime can get cooler. Rain is rare in this region, usually happening only a few times a year. These weather conditions mean that visitors need to be prepared for the heat by wearing light clothing and staying hydrated. Remember to also drink plenty of water and take breaks in shaded areas to avoid getting too hot. It’s crucial to stay safe while enjoying this important pilgrimage!

For Muslims, Mount Arafat is a crucial place during Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam 🕋. It is said that being on Mount Arafat is the highlight of the pilgrimage. On the Day of Arafah, Muslims pray and seek forgiveness from Allah. It’s believed that if this day is spent in sincere prayer, one's sins can be forgiven! Scholars say that it’s a time for reflection and supplication. The atmosphere is filled with devotion, and many pilgrims cry tears of joy while standing together, asking for peace and blessings. 🌈