Watch the preparations at Namira Mosque to receive pilgrims on the Day of Arafah
is The Namira Mosque one of the most prominent Islamic and historical landmarks in Arafat, and one of the largest mosques in the world in terms of area and capacity. This magnificent edifice stands witness to the greatest scenes of Hajj on the Day of Arafat, the day when the hearts of millions of Muslims from all corners of the earth turn towards the sacred plain of Arafat. The mosque's courtyards occupy a vast area in the heart of the holy site, accommodating hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. It forms a spiritual gathering point where the guests of God experience an atmosphere filled with reverence and supplication, listening to the Arafat sermon and performing the Dhuhr and Asr prayers combined and shortened, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
The historical and religious significance of the Namira Mosque
holds The Namira Mosque immense historical and religious significance for Muslims, as it was built on the site where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his Farewell Sermon. Since its founding during the Abbasid era, it has undergone continuous expansion and development throughout various Islamic periods, culminating in the prosperous Saudi era, which witnessed its most extensive expansion to accommodate the ever-increasing number of pilgrims each year. The impact of this event extends beyond the local sphere, reaching regionally and internationally. The Arafat sermon is broadcast from within the mosque and translated into dozens of languages, conveying Islam's tolerant message of peace and moderation to millions of Muslims worldwide, thus highlighting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims.
Intensive efforts are underway to prepare the mosque for the Hajj season
Over the years, the mosque has received continuous care and successive development projects. In this context, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has completed its preparations to receive pilgrims for the Hajj season through a comprehensive system of operational, technical, and awareness services. These efforts aim to create a comfortable and spiritually uplifting atmosphere that enables pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility. The mosque's arcades have been draped with luxurious carpets covering an area exceeding 125,000 square meters, while development and equipping works have been completed, including upgrading the air conditioning and ventilation systems, improving the efficiency of electrical and sound services, and implementing specialized projects to reduce heat stress and cool the surrounding courtyards.
Modern technologies to combat heat and cool the atmosphere
Preparations included installing 19 umbrellas in the mosque's rear courtyard, which help reduce temperatures by approximately 10 degrees Celsius, in addition to painting the floors with sun-reflective materials to improve the atmosphere for pilgrims. Furthermore, 117 misting fans were activated in the surrounding courtyards, operating via high-pressure water pumps to cool the air and lower temperatures by up to 9 degrees Celsius, a measure aimed at enhancing the comfort of pilgrims while in the mosque and its surrounding areas. Regarding ventilation, the central air conditioning control system was upgraded to allow for monitoring air quality and carbon dioxide levels, with complete air renewal of the mosque twice an hour, providing a healthy and safe environment for pilgrims during their rituals.
Comprehensive watering and maintenance services
The ministry also enhanced water distribution services by installing 70 water cooling units, with a capacity to serve up to 140,000 pilgrims per hour. In addition, comprehensive restoration and maintenance work was carried out, including expansion joints, thermal and waterproofing insulation, lighting, and rainwater drainage systems. The facilities were further equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and security cameras, as well as the organization of the 72 entrances and gates to ensure the smooth flow of pilgrims within the mosque.
Awareness and guidance in multiple languages
On the awareness front, the Ministry intensified its guidance and outreach services within and around the mosque, utilizing 150 digital screens to broadcast awareness messages in several languages and providing video conferencing platforms to answer religious inquiries. Hundreds of preachers and translators were also assigned to serve and educate pilgrims during the Day of Arafah, ensuring that the rituals were performed according to the Prophetic tradition.
