Africa-Press – Uganda. More than 1,000 Ugandan Muslim pilgrims joined millions of worshippers from around the world on Thursday at the plains of Mount Arafat, marking the spiritual climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage, which coincided with the 8th day of Zul Hijja on the Islamic calendar, saw the faithful spend the day in deep prayer, reflection, and devotion—re-enacting the historic moments of Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajara, their son Prophet Ismail, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
Clad in white unstitched garments known as Ihram, symbolising purity, equality and submission to God, the pilgrims braved the sweltering desert heat to listen to sermons and offer personal supplications.
Sheikh Muwonge, one of the spiritual guides, urged pilgrims to use the sacred moment to seek divine mercy and renew their spiritual commitments. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with Allah. Let your worship be sincere,” he told the pilgrims.
Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wandega, Eastern Regional Assistant in the Office of the Mufti, congratulated the pilgrims for reaching Arafat—the site where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon.
He highlighted the spiritual significance of the site, noting that it is where one of the final verses of the Qur’an was revealed.
“We must take inspiration from the unity shown by Prophet Ibrahim’s family,” Sheikh Wandega said, referencing the ritual stoning of Satan which symbolises resisting evil. “Let us pray for our families, our children, and our leaders unity is the foundation of a strong Muslim community.”
He also invoked the origin story of Arafat, believed to be the place where Prophet Adam and Eve reunited after being cast out of Paradise, using it to encourage unity among Ugandan Muslims.
Among the notable figures present was Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, Secretary General of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), accompanied by other Muslim leaders.
The spiritual ceremonies concluded with prayers led by Sheikh Yusuf Kayongo and Sheikh Ismail Mayambala, asking for peace and blessings for the pilgrims, their families, Uganda, and the Muslim world at large.
The pilgrims are part of thousands from Uganda who travelled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam and a requirement for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford the journey at least once in their lifetime.
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