Muzdalifah Trek: Pilgrims Embark on the World’s Longest Pedestrian Route

Pilgrims bid farewell to the sacred site of Arafat after sunset on Tuesday to continue their religious journey to Muzdalifah. The pedestrian routes in the holy sites, stretching from the Mount of Mercy in Arafat to Muzdalifah, cover a distance of 25 kilometers, making it the longest pedestrian passage in the world.

Annually, during the Hajj season, this passage witnesses the largest human traffic movement in the world, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Along the passage, water misting spray points are distributed to cool the atmosphere and alleviate the heat, which exceeds forty degrees Celsius.

Upon reaching Muzdalifah, the guests of the Most Merciful perform the combined Maghrib and Isha prayers, following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and then collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the pillars.

It is recommended for the pilgrim to stop at the Mount Hiraam, which is a mountain in Muzdalifah, or anywhere in Muzdalifah, to face the Kaaba and engage in abundant remembrance of Allah, glorification, and supplications for what is facilitated for them. Afterwards, they proceed to Mina to stone the Jamrat al-Aqaba pillar and perform the ritual sacrifice, followed by the Tawaf al-Ifadah.

Earlier in the day, pilgrims spent their time on the mount of Arafat, performed the combined Dhuhr and Asr prayers and shortened them, and listened to the sermon of Arafat.