After restricting the annual Islamic ritual of Hajj to some thousands of Muslims living inside the country for the last two years due to Covid-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia has finally eased the travel restrictions to increase the number and allowed 1 million pilgrims from inside and outside the kingdom to perform the Muslim pilgrimage to Kaaba, the "House of God", in the sacred city of Mecca. Hajj to Mecca is among the five pillars of Islam which is obligatory only for those who are healthy and can afford it financially as well as physically.
This fifth and final pillar of Islam is liable to be performed by Muslims at least once in their lifetime where they shed overt displays of wealth and materialism, dress in simple white clothes and perform the rituals. The Day of Arafah is the holiest day in the Islamic calendar and is observed on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage.
While Eid-ul-Adha or Bakra Eid is the second most important festival celebrated by Muslims across the world, on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Zul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah i.e. the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah is considered as the most important day as it is the day of repentance. Here's all you need to know about the date, history and significance of Hajj or the Muslims' pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and the importance of the Day of Arafah, ahead of Eid-ul-Adha or Bakra Eid.