1.7 Million Pilgrims Gather at Arafat for Hajj 2026

On Tuesday, 1.7 million pilgrims from around the world converged on Arafat, Saudi Arabia, marking the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims donned white ihram garments and braved temperatures of approximately 46 degrees Celsius while engaging in prayer and reciting the Qur'an.

According to Saudi authorities, 1,707,301 pilgrims participated in the 1447 AH 2026 Hajj, with 1,546,655 arriving from outside the kingdom, representing 90.6% of the total. The event was managed with extensive security and logistical arrangements.

Imam Khateeb Ali Hudhaifi delivered the Arafah sermon, urging Muslims to uphold unity, fear Allah, and avoid extremism. He emphasized that Hajj should not be politicized and called for adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

Ismail Abba Yusuf, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), noted the significance of the day as a pinnacle of the Hajj period, reflecting values of humility and faith. Improvements in Hajj administration were acknowledged compared to previous years.