Sheikh Mohammed offers support to Hajj pilgrims and shares Eid Al Adha message

Vice President and Ruler of Dubai offers best wishes to Muslims in message marking Arafat Day

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

Read the latest updates on the Hajj pilgrimage here

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has sent a message of support to pilgrims performing Hajj on Arafat Day.

Sheikh Mohammed also offered his best wishes to Muslims in the Emirates and across the world on the occasion of Eid Al Adha.

He called for all nations in the Arab world to be in “good health” and “safe and secure” in a message on Twitter on Friday.

“On this great day, the day of Arafat, we ask the Almighty to accept from those performing the Hajj and from us, all our good deeds,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.

“We wish the UAE and all Muslims, Eid Al-Adha Mubarak.

“May our nation, and all Arab and Islamic nations be in good health, safe and secure every year.”

Pilgrims were gathering at Mount Arafat — a granite hill about 20 kilometres from the Kaaba on the Arafat plains — on Friday to participate in the most important ritual of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

The Day of Arafat marks the second day of Hajj, when believers make their way to the mountain where the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon.

Pilgrims will make their way to the Masjid Nimrah on the grounds of Arafat where they will listen to the Arafat sermon.

Eid Al Adha, known as the festival of the sacrifice, will begin on Saturday, July 9.

Hajj 2022 — in pictures

People gather to pray on top of the mountain, south-east of Makkah. AFP

People touch the pillar at the top of Mt Arafat, on Friday, during Hajj. AFP

The pilgrims had set out for Mt Arafat before dawn, chanting as they walked. AFP

They remain on the mountain until nightfall, while continuing to worship. AFP

Pilgrims pray on top of Mount Arafat, near Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, during Hajj. AP

Mount Arafat is also known as the Mountain of Mercy. AFP

Pilgrims pray as dawn breaks. AP

It is believed to be the place where the Prophet Mohammed gave his final sermon more than 1,400 years ago. AFP

The Day of Arafat marks the second day of Hajj, when believers make their way to the mountain. Reuters

Pilgrims pray on top of Mount Arafat. AP

The pilgrims began to gather in the early hours. Reuters

Pilgrims gather at a pillar on Mount Arafat. Reuters

Pilgrims take part in early morning prayers on Mount Arafat. AP

Pilgrims were due to listen to a Friday prayer sermon at the Masjid Nimrah on the grounds of Arafat. AP

A female pilgrim reads the Quran on Mount Arafat. AP

This year’s Arafat sermon will be delivered by the head of the Makkah-based Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al Issa. AP

The sermon will be translated into 14 languages to convey a message of moderation and tolerance. Reuters

After the sermon, Hajj pilgrims will then spend the afternoon praying on the mountain. Reuters

Pilgrims will then head to Muzdalifah after sunset, where they will be pick up pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil on Saturday. Reuters

A female pilgrim prays on Mount Arafat. Reuters

This year's Hajj gathering is the largest since 2019. Reuters

Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat. Reuters